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\u2019s Day outside the Osceola Hotel.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sheriff struck during melee<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feared for my life and others at the scene,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Investigation ongoing<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
No one was taken to the hospital from the incident. The sheriff\u2019s department is handling the investigation, though state police were on scene. Carpinelli said he has notified the Lewis County Manager of the incident.<\/p>\n
Hotel manager says fight was planned<\/p>\n
Lora Larkin, manager of the Osceola Hotel, said the group from Oneida County had unplugged the hotel\u2019s camera system before the fighting broke out, indicating the event was planned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what stopped everything,\u201d Larkin said of the sheriff\u2019s warning shots.<\/p>\n
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