The Darlington Police Department has identified the suspect in a May 9, battery that occurred at the Darlington Elementary/Middle School during a soccer match, which was part of the area’s annual Cinco de Mayo festival. 

According to Darlington Police Chief, Jason King, William Zayas, 23, from Galena, Ill. has been accused of knocking a spectator, Jairo Andrade-Aquirre, 32, of South Wayne, to the ground and kicking him in the face. 

Previously, Andrade-Aquirre’s name was not released; however, the police decided to release his name at this time, since an investigation revealed that Andrade-Aquirre provoked the disturbance by striking Zayas first, and will also face charges, according to King. 

This incident occurred on Saturday, May 9, at approximately 5:30 p.m.  The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department dispatched the Darlington Police Department and Rural Medical Ambulance Service to the Darlington Elementary-Middle School for a physical altercation between two spectators watching the championship soccer game. 

When police arrived, it was determined that the suspect, Zayas, had fled the scene. 

Andrade-Aquirre was taken to Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County for treatment where it was learned he suffered several fractures to his face, a broken tooth, and severe bruising, which required surgery at UW Hospital. 

According to King, charges of disorderly conduct and battery are being sought against both subjects.