CLINTON — On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at approximately 11:13 p.m., Officer Brendan Rutherford of the Clinton Police Department was dispatched to the Hometown Tavern located at 301 High Street following a report of an unwanted man trying to enter the establishment.
(The account and quotations in this article were sourced from the printed Personnel Narrative of Officer Brendan Rutherford and do not reflect any political perspective or personal opinion of News Link Live, which is strictly a business entity.)
“Upon turning onto High Street, I observed a large group of people flagging me down in front of 301 High Street,” Officer Rutherford said. “At this time, I parked my cruiser in front of the group of people and exited my cruiser.”
Officer Rutherford said that as soon as he got out of his cruiser, he was approached by a man, who was later identified as 30-year-old John Risi.
“Mr. Risi was visibly upset and approached me within inches of my face and began yelling his side of the story as to why the police were called,” Officer Rutherford said.
Officer Rutherford said that while he was attempting to escort Risi from the street to the sidewalk, Risi tensed his arms up and stopped walking.
“At this time, I attempted to detain Mr. Risi while I investigated the incident, but Mr. Risi continued to actively resist and ignore my verbal commands,” Officer Rutherford said.
Officer Adam Prentiss then arrived on scene and assisted Officer Rutherford in attempting to gain control of Risi.
“Officer Prentiss performed a leg sweep/arm bar takedown which was successful in taking Mr. Risi to the ground, but Mr. Risi continued to actively resist,” Officer Rutherford said. “At this time, I observed Mr. Risi donkey kicking Officer Prentiss while lying on his stomach with his arms out to the side like an airplane. Due to Mr. Risi’s assaultive actions, I deployed taser probes into Mr. Risi’s side back area.”
Officer Rutherford said that, initially, the taser subdued Risi, but he was eventually able to stand up, remove the probes, and begin running down Batista Court.
Officer Rutherford and Prentiss grabbed hold of Risi as he began to flee and, with assistance from Officer John McNamara, who had just arrived on scene, the three officers placed Risi in handcuffs.
Officer Rutherford said that Officer Prentiss tased Risi twice while struggling with him on Batista Court.
Officer Rutherford said that as officers attempted to arrest Risi, a large group of patrons from the Hometown Tavern and residents of Batista Court gathered around to watch the altercation.
Officer Prentiss then requested EMS respond to their location to evaluate Risi, while Officer Rutherford interviewed witnesses.
“At this time, I spoke with the reporting party later identified as Kylie [last name redacted]. [Kylie] stated that she called the police because Mr. Risi attempted to enter the establishment after being told he wasn’t allowed to,” Officer Rutherford said. “[Kylie] also stated Mr. Risi threatened to strike the door man with a guitar. I spoke with [the door man] who stated that Mr. Risi is not allowed into the establishment due to an incident that occurred last week. When Mr. Risi was denied entry tonight, he threatened to strike [the door man] with a guitar he had in his possession.”
At around this time, Clinton Fire and EMS arrived on scene to evaluate Risi.
“While on scene, Mr. Risi requested a mental evaluation and stated he wanted to commit suicide,” Officer Rutherford said. “Mr. Risi was subsequently transported to the hospital where he was admitted in on a Section 12. Community Health link was briefed on Mr. Risi’s situation and stated they would send a clinician to Clinton Hospital in the morning.”
The bail commissioner ordered Risi held without bail due to an active warrant for his arrest.
John James Risi, 30, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (guitar)
- Disorderly Conduct
- Assault & Battery on a Police Officer
- Disturbing the Peace
- Resisting Arrest
- Fugitive from Justice on Court Warrant
Disclaimer: If you are wondering why the incident in this story took place in September, that’s because I had to file FOIA request(s) to obtain the court documents. FOIAs are time-consuming.
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