Theft: Frances Street

A wallet was stolen from a female patron at the Nitty Gritty last Thursday around dinner time,
according to a Madison Police Department Statement.

Her purse was hanging on a chair when Bernard Beck, 36, grabbed her wallet out of
it, the statement said.

When the victim noticed her wallet was missing, she immediately called to cancel her credit
cards. Upon calling, she was told one of her cards had already been used as Beck had used it to
purchase two cartons of cigarettes, the statement said.

MPD viewed surveillance cameras at the grocery store where the cigarettes were purchased to identify
Beck. Staff members called the police after they recognized Beck when he returned to the Nitty
Gritty later that night, Joel DeSpain, MPD spokesperson said.

“Beck was leaving when the police arrived, and staff were able to point him out,” DeSpain
said. “The staff did exactly the right thing by calling the police.”

Beck was arrested for three counts of misappropriation of personal identifying materials and on
a probation hold, the statement said.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the Nitty Gritty has not had an issue with thefts in the past, but mentioned Whiskey Jacks on State Street has had problems. The police worked with Whiskey Jacks to ensure their establishment had less theft, he said.

“To deal with this issue, the police ended up suggesting Whiskey Jacks use a coat check system,”
Verveer said.

He advises people to keep an eye on their possessions during crowded and popular hours at local
bars.

Weapons Violation: State Street

An intoxicated male was arrested after pulling a knife on a bouncer at Paul’s Club early Sunday morning, a
Madison Police Department statement said.

DeSpain said the manager identified Ryan Gresmer as
too intoxicated to be served. Gresmer was asked to leave and then pulled a knife on the bouncer, he said.

Gresmer told the bouncer not to touch him, DeSpain said. The bouncer backed off
and called the police, the statement said.

“A permit is needed to carry a concealed weapon,” DeSpain said. “Gresmer did not have a permit to carry the
knife.” 

Gresmer was arrested for disorderly conduct while armed and carrying a concealed weapon, the statement said.

DeSpain said the staff at the bar made the correct decision not to interact further with the patron
and instead to call the police.

Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, agreed with DeSpain and said he was not surprised the club did an
excellent job handling the situation, especially because Paul’s Club has many veteran employees.

Madison is fortunate to not see many instances where weapons are involved, DeSpain said.

Verveer also said it was extremely rare to have a weapon visible in a bar in Madison and even
more rare that someone attempts to use the weapon.

He said the city holds tavern safety trainings a few times each year, are a way of informing staff about how to deal with these situations.