BREAKING: Former Elmwood Park Fire Chief Michael Terzo faces serious legal repercussions following an alleged assault on a bar employee during a chaotic incident on August 10, 2023. Terzo, 55, has been indicted on two felonies: unlawful restraint and aggravated battery, escalating the charges from the initial reports of the incident at the Tiny Tap bar, located at 7648 W. North Ave.
The incident unfolded around 1:20 AM on a night filled with alcohol and festivity, coinciding with the suburb’s annual family festival. A 24-year-old male employee, whose identity remains confidential, was reportedly locked inside a walk-in cooler by Terzo, who allegedly confronted him after being told only employees were permitted in the cooler. Terzo’s response was shocking: “Do you know who I am?” according to police reports.
During the confrontation, Terzo allegedly confined the worker inside the cooler, subsequently shoving the door closed when the employee attempted to escape. This action left the young man with visible injuries, including bruises above his left eye and left calf. The situation escalated further as Terzo reportedly punched the employee when he finally managed to exit the cooler, breaking his glasses in the process.
The employee, now back at work, expressed disbelief over the incident: “It’s a neighborhood bar where everybody knows everybody.” He stated he has no desire to confront Terzo but wonders, “What were you thinking?”
Following the incident, Terzo resigned as fire chief and has been a known political supporter of Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano. Notably, Saviano, a Republican, contributed $500 to the campaign of Democratic Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke, whose office is now prosecuting Terzo.
The aggravated battery charge carries a potential prison sentence of two to five years. Terzo is scheduled to return to court on October 31, 2023, as the case continues to unfold.
This developing story highlights the urgent issue of accountability among public officials, and the emotional impact on community members. As details emerge, the local community watches closely, waiting for justice to be served.
