By Sarah Schulz
sarah.schulz@theindependent.com

Kak Thoan, 35, of 421 E. Fifth St., was charged in Hall County Court with first-degree assault for the Friday night incident involving John Ruon.

Ruon, 26, had a "good chunk" of the middle of his lower lip bitten off by Thoan, said Grand Island police Sgt. Dave Vitera.

The fight occurred at 3207 E. Highway 30 Apt. 16, which is the former Lazy V Motel. Officers believe Ruon lives in the room and was attempting to get Thoan to leave around 11:30 p.m. Friday when he was bitten, Vitera said.

The men were drinking beer when an argument started. Ruon told officers Thoan was "talking trash" and was asked repeatedly to leave. Ruon reported that as he struggled with Thoan near the door, Thoan bit him on the lip, Vitera said.

Thoan and Ruon may have been arguing about something that happened in Africa, although the exact topic is unclear, Vitera said.

Thoan told officers Ruon's cousin was so intoxicated he kept dropping his beer so Thoan told him to stop drinking. The remark angered Ruon, who then punched Thoan and bit his cheek. Thoan said he retaliated with the bite to Ruon's bottom lip, Vitera said.

Dhan Gatkek, 36, witnessed the fight and, when he tried to break it up, one of the men bit him on the left bicep. He told officers he was unsure which man bit him, Vitera said.

Ruon, who was referred to the Hall County attorney's office for misdemeanor third-degree assault, was treated and released at St. Francis Medical Center following the fight. The missing portion of his lip wasn't recovered, Vitera said.

No charges had been filed against Ruon as of Monday afternoon.

Thoan was also treated at St. Francis. His bond was set at 10 percent of $50,000, and he was ordered not to have any contact with Ruon.

Thoan's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. June 12.