A 27-year-old Hermitage man facing assault charges in connection with a Saturday morning bar fight in Brookfield pleaded not guilty Thursday morning at his arraignment in Trumbull County Eastern District Court.

William Clark, 27, of 98 Todd Ave. also waived his right to a speedy trial. He is charged with two counts of assault and criminal damaging.

Witnesses say Clark fought with several bar patrons and began throwing punches when he was asked to leave RJ's, 759 Brookfield Ave. S.E. The bar owner and others attempted to kick him out -- one person was punched in the mouth and a disc jockey/bouncer was bitten on the hand during the fight, Brookfield police said.

"Tell me why I shouldn't put you in jail?" Judge Ronald J. Rice asked Clark.

"Because I have kids at home and I didn't do nothing," Clark responded.

Rice set bond at $1,000 with the condition that Clark not go to any Ohio establishments that serve alcohol.

"If you're caught in a bar anywhere in this jurisdiction, I will put you in jail and the case will be over," Rice warned.

Clark, who is on probation for a previous charge, was kicked out of RJ's several times Saturday night, but kept returning.

The second time he returned, he began destroying property before he was kicked out again, police said. Witnesses told police he then jumped into a car and took off, only to return a third time -- with a friend.

The two drove away after police were called, but police said they were able to locate the car and arrested Clark.

Clark and another person told police that someone hit them with a baseball bat during the bar fight. Clark was treated at the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System.

A preliminary hearing has yet to be set.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Larissa Theodore ltheodore@sharonherald.com