Branford Father, Son Arrested After Fight With Teens at Big Y: Cops

Police say the Mark Balzano, 49, choked a 16-year-old and threatened teens with a baseball bat.

A Branford dad is accused of wielding a baseball bat and choking a teen while his 19-year-old son allegedly fought with other young people at a local Big Y store.

Mark Balzano, 49, and his son, Brandyn Balzano, 19, of Branford, were arrested Monday evening.

Police said someone reported seeing the elder Balzano attack another person with a baseball bat in the shopping plaza at 1075 West Main Street around 7:15 p.m. Monday.

The skirmish started at the back of the shopping center, where Mark Balzano threatened a group of teenagers with a bat and choked a 16-year-old, according to police.

His son, meanwhile, chased other teens into the nearby Big Y supermarket and fought with them in the store, according to police.

Mark Balzano was charged with first-degree strangulation, second-degree threatening and breach of peace. He was released on $1,000 bond and is due in court July 21.

Brandyn Balzano was charged with breach of peace. Police said he was released on a written promise to appear.

Authorities also arrested a 16-year-old and 17-year-old who were involved in the fight. Police said the teens were each charged with breach of peace and released to the custody of their parents.

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