Twin Falls police officers were dispatched to the Montana Steakhouse, located at 1826 Canyon Crest Drive, at approximately 1:23 a.m. Thursday, May 30 in reference to a fight that involved between five to 10 people. When officers arrived, a group of at least three individuals fled the scene on foot southbound from the location.
Officers apprehended one of the individuals in the area of the Lazy J Trailer Park at 450 Pole Line Road West.
At the scene, witnesses told officers that a fight broke out at the Montana Steakhouse between Carlos Rene Cantu, 22, of Twin Falls, and John Giese, 24, also of Twin Falls. Several other individuals were also involved in the fight according to witnesses.
Witness said the fight started after Cantu and other individuals allegedly touched women inappropriately at the bar.
Bartenders were able to separate the two groups and asked Cantu to leave the bar; however, Giese and other individuals followed Cantu outside the bar. Once outside the building, Cantu struck Giese, knocking him to the ground. Witnesses said Cantu proceeded to kick Giese repeatedly.
Three female patrons attempted to intervene, but were also battered by Cantu.
Giese was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center where he is in critical condition due to facial fractures and internal bleeding.
Based on witness statements and additional information gathered at the scene, the Twin Falls Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Cantu on charges of felony aggravated battery.
Twin Falls police officers and detectives served the warrant at approximately 11:05 a.m. Thursday at 210 Sidney Street in Twin Falls, where Cantu was taken into custody without incident.
Cantu is currently being held in the Twin Falls County Jail on charges of felony aggravated battery.