Blaine County Prosecuting Attorney Jim Thomas has received a Ketchum Police Department review of events involving an alleged fight between Hailey Police Officer Julio Hurtado, 24, and a Yakima, Wash., man, Richard Castillo, 25, at The Mint nightclub in Hailey Saturday, Oct. 15.
Witnesses said they observed "arms and hands flying" between Castillo and Hurtado, who was off duty at the time of the conflict, but no one has pinpointed who they thought started the fight, said Hailey Police Chief Brian McNary. "It's kind of like a football game. The referee only catches the guy who retaliates."
Thomas said this week he hopes to interview Castillo to learn whether or not he would press misdemeanor battery charges against either man.
"I will talk to all sides first," Thomas said. "I thought it was important to review since it involved a city police officer."
Thomas said depending on how his interviews go he will decide whether to pursue the matter further as a battery, a disturbance of the peace or decline to pursue any charges entirely.
Meanwhile, McNary said he has commanded his officers to observe a former house rule that police not visit any local bars when off duty.
McNary said he had relaxed the standard in recent years to allow his staff to enjoy local music performances being offered and because there had been no incidents between off-duty police at local drinking establishments for some time.
