A man charged Monday with assaulting a Philadelphia Police Officer during a wild, alcohol-fueled wedding brawl that was caught on camera early Sunday morning, is related to the groom, police said.
Philadelphia Police say they processed Matthew Sofka, 26, of Westfield, N.J. Monday on charges including assaulting a police officer, aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and related charges.
Sofka was a guest at a family member’s wedding at the Society Hill Sheraton on Dock Street when a brawl broke out with another wedding party. It escalated to the point that police had to be called in to calm the 75- to 100-person rumble. Police say most of the fighters were drunk.
Police say they needed to use a Taser to subdue Sofka.
The uncle of one of the brides, Vincent Sannuti, 57, of Huntingdon Valley, suffered a heart attack during the brawl and later died. Police say an initial investigation shows he wasn't involved in the fight.
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The brawl was caught on camera by a 15-year-old guest at the hotel.
“They just started punching each other and hitting each other and the people just came in and started clubbing people,” said Max Schultz who shot the video that has aired now around the world.
Philadelphia Police Sgt. Sean Dandridge was hit in the head during the melee and received treatment for concussion-like symptoms. He is expected to be OK.
Dandridge’s apparent Facebook page, which says he’s a Philadelphia cop, had this message posted Monday morning: “Getting checked out at hospital. No serious neurological injury. Awaiting more tests. Mom called: "Now it's on The Good Day Show". My head started hurting again...." Doc said "Take it easy..."
Two other people besides Sofka were cited for their alleged roles in the brawl.
In the video, you can see police officers using batons to break up the fight. A woman in a long white dress, who appears to be a bride, is whisked away from the commotion by two men.
Raw video shot by NBC10 outside hotel
Police are reviewing the videotape and say more people could be charged.
The hotel released a statement Sunday in response to the fight.
"We continue to cooperate with the authorities and as this is an on-going police investigation any questions should be directed to the local police department. Our sincerest condolences go out to the family for their loss."
NBC10 is working to confirm the names of the brides and grooms that were getting married at the hotel Saturday night.
