Four members of the U.S, Marine Corps, including one from Manchester, Connecticut, were arrested in Springfield, Massachusetts after what police referred to a “melee” at a bar.
Police said the fight started around 2 a.m. at Fat Cat’s bar, 232 Worthington Street, as an altercation among female patrons.
One female officer tried break up the fight and was hit in the back of the head and jumped, police said. Another officer who tried to assist her was also attacked.
The officers could not call for help, but the female officer was able to use a portable unit so the dispatcher could tell that she was in trouble, police said.
As more officers arrived to assist, the fight ballooned as around 60 people, who police said appeared to be drunk, got involved and began fighting the police officers.
Nine people were arrested. Four are Marines, police said, including Christopher Braun, 33, of Manchester, Allan Wilson, 24, Miguel Ofray, 26, both of Springfield, and Gissette Lopez, 25, of Chicopee.
Braun was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and affray.
Wilson was charged with disorderly conduct and affray. Ofray was charged with two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, disorderly person and resisting arrest. Lopez was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, affray and disorderly person.
Madeline Lopez, 26, of Springfield, Tiffany Pizarro, 21, of Springfield, Hector Diaz, 24, of Texas, and Hector Lopez, 21, of Chicopee, were also charged in connection with the fight.
Police said Fat Cat's was written up for violations to the Springfield License Commission.
Mendez has a severe concussion and will be out of work for many days, police said. Three other officers were hurt in the fracas, one of whom has a broken finger.
