Man shot by Salt Lake County deputy faces charges in bar melee

SALT LAKE CITY — The man shot by an off-duty Salt Lake County sheriff's deputy at a club in 2009 now faces charges in connection with the incident.

John Junior "JJ" Pikula was charged Thursday in 3rd District Court with assault and reckless endangerment, class A misdemeanors. He also was charged with two class B misdemeanors of assault and criminal trespass.

Pikula was attending his bachelor party at Green Street Social Club, 602 E. 500 South, on Sept. 19, 2009. He and others in his group started harassing a group of women, according to the charges. That group asked Pikula and his friends to leave them alone.

As the harassment continued, including an alleged groping, a friend of the women confronted Pikula. He responded by head-butting the man and a fight broke out, the charges state. A witness said that during the fight Pikula threw a glass at Bobby Chacon that struck him in the face.

Security attempted to escort Pikula out the door, but he broke free and ran back toward Chacon, stood over him while he was on the ground and struck him "in the face repeatedly with his fists," the charges state.

Fearing for his brother's life, Rudy Chacon, an off-duty deputy, drew his weapon and fired one round at Pikula, striking him in the torso. Pikula remained in intensive care at the hospital for about a week.

In November, prosecutors determined that Chacon was justified shooting Pikula. At almost the same time, Arnold Pikula, JJ Pikula's brother, was charged with three misdemeanors, including sexual battery, assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. He pleaded guilty to assault against a police officer and the other charges were dropped. He was sentenced to a year in jail and ordered to an alcohol treatment program.

Prosecutors have requested an increased bail amount for JJ Pikula "based on the nature of this offense, and the defendant's history of offenses, which raise concern that he defendant may pose a flight risk and danger to the community."

Pikula, a documented gang member who has already served prison time, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail with a $25,000 bail on Thursday. He posted bond the same day.

e-mail: preavy@desnews.com