TOWN OF OSCEOLA, New York (WWNY) – Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli fired three warning shots from his handgun to break up a large fight that erupted just after midnight on New Year’s Day outside the Osceola Hotel.
Carpinelli said he was attending the annual ball drop at the hotel when two groups began fighting on the road outside. The fight involved men from neighboring Oneida County and local residents, according to the sheriff.
Sheriff struck during melee
Carpinelli said he intervened in the fight but was struck with fists to his back. He retreated to his pickup truck but was followed by some of the fighters, who pelted his vehicle with cans of food.
The sheriff then retrieved his nine-millimeter handgun from the pickup and fired three rounds over the heads of those fighting toward an empty field. The gunfire immediately ended the fighting, Carpinelli said.
“I feared for my life and others at the scene,” Carpinelli said. He told 7News that firing his weapon was a last resort after his voice and physical presence were not enough to stop the brawl.
Investigation ongoing
About 25 people were involved in the melee, according to Carpinelli. His deputies and state police had been called, but it took close to an hour to arrive due to the remote location.
No arrests have been made, but Carpinelli said there will be. He said those who punched him may face serious charges if they can be identified.
No one was taken to the hospital from the incident. The sheriff’s department is handling the investigation, though state police were on scene. Carpinelli said he has notified the Lewis County Manager of the incident.
Hotel manager says fight was planned
Lora Larkin, manager of the Osceola Hotel, said the group from Oneida County had unplugged the hotel’s camera system before the fighting broke out, indicating the event was planned.
“That’s what stopped everything,” Larkin said of the sheriff’s warning shots.
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