Third Teen Charged in Fight at New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade

Police have arrested a third teen in connection with a fight at the New Haven St. Patrick's Day parade that prompted scrutiny of an officer and sparked a series of protests.

Sabrina Parker, 18, of New Haven, is accused of assaulting the sister of a 15-year-old girl identified by her family as Teandrea Cornelius during a fight at the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on Church Street.

Teandrea was accused of carrying a knife and pepper spraying people inside the restaurant. Her arrest was captured on video and caused an uproar in the city.

The footage shows Officer Joshua Smereczynsky forcing Teandrea to the ground. The teen appears to hit her head on the pavement, and family members said she suffered a fractured shoulder and a cut near her eye.

Smereczynsky was placed on desk duty while the department investigated his conduct but was exonerated and returned to work.

Parker has been charged with risk of injury to a minor, third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace.

The girl she's accused of attacking, Teandrea's sister, was arrested March 15 and charged with third-degree assault, carrying a dangerous weapon – a knife – and second-degree breach of peace.

Parker is the third teen charged in connection with the incident. Police said they expect to make additional arrests.

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