Two brothers pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges involving an altercation at Ratz Lounge on Main Street in Mandan.

The two men appeared in Morton County Court where District Judge Donald Jorgensen ruled there was enough information presented to make probable cause and move forward with a trial.

Jason Gange, 29, of Minnesota, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a peace officer, a Class C felony, as well as physical obstruction of a government function, a Class A misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.

Jesse Gange, 26, of Mandan, pleaded not guilty to assaulting a peace officer and attempted aggravated assault, both Class C felonies, and physical obstruction of a government function, a Class A misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor.

The brothers own Ratz, which used to be owned by their father, Ivan Gange, also of Mandan.

The incident took place April 1, when Mandan police officers Kelly Dollinger and Brian Johnson were conducting alcohol compliance checks on area businesses.

Dollinger and Johnson testified that early in the evening, a Ratz employee sold alcohol to a minor. At 11:30 that night, Dollinger and Johnson returned to Ratz to notify the employee of the compliance check and gather information to file charges.

At this time Dollinger said Jason Gange approached him and made a comment about his gun.

"The comment startled me," Dollinger said. He said he began to get concerned that Jason Gange wanted to cause trouble.

He then identified himself to Jason Gange and asked him for identification. Dollinger said Jason Gange refused and began to dance around him.

"Then he pushed his right finger into my chest and I brushed it away," Dollinger said. He said Jason Gange then struck him on the side of the face.

Dollinger said soon things began to happen quickly.

"Everything became chaotic and violent," Dollinger said. "Bottles were broken, chairs pushed over and tables moved …"

During this time, Dollinger and Johnson got separated. Dollinger said when he found Johnson, he was on the floor and Jesse Gange was on top of him. Johnson said around four other men attacked him as well, but he was unable to identify them.

"I remember being concerned that someone was going to get a hold of my weapon," Johnson said.

Backup officers showed up and handcuffed Jesse Gange.

Ivan Gange stepped in, attempting to calm the fight between Dollinger and Jason Gange. Dollinger was then able to handcuff him.

Dollinger and Johnson said they were not in uniform when they entered the bar, but both said their badges and firearms were on their belts and visible.

Dollinger received medical treatment for multiple bruises on his face and right arm. Johnson received treatment for marks around his neck, a scrape on his ankle and an abrasion on his face.

The employee who sold alcohol to the minor was never identified.

A pretrial hearing for Jason and Jesse Gange is scheduled for Aug. 8 at 9:30 a.m. in Morton County.

(Reach reporter Katie Brown at 250-8225 or cops@bismarcktribune.net.)