On The Beat

Wedding Brawl

A wild brawl broke out at a swanky Wading River catering hall early Sunday morning.

Riverhead police, who answered a call that a melee was underway, said there were two parties happening simultaneously at the East Wind. Guests at a wedding reception, and guests at a Hagerman Fire Department soiree, began to scuffle in the main foyer sometime after midnight, police ascertained. Alcohol was definitely a factor, onlookers told responding officers.

At one point, about 40 revelers were scuffling, some duking it out. The groom, who was not identified, was punched in the face several times by three different assailants. Police called for backup, and Suffolk County Police and Sheriffs, New York State Police, and even State Parks Police were needed to restore order.

Police said four people were injured in the melee and transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment and that others may have driven themselves to medical facilities.

Riverhead police said four people were arrested in the incident: Brendan Dunham, 21; Andrew Dunham, 29; Corey Citarella, 29; and Thomas Dunham, 55, all of East Patchogue, were all charged with third degree assault. Thomas Dunham also allegedly resisted arrest and was so charged. He is the first assistant chief of the Hagerman Fire Department.

Ambulance crops from a half-dozen locales also responded to the scene.

School Threat

Southampton school officials issued a lockout order on Monday afternoon, sealing all buildings and canceling all extra curricular activities.

Southampton Town Police said school officials made the decision after being informed of a Snapchat threat that originated in Western Long Island.

However, the threat was posted in Western Suffolk and did not mention the school, or any on the East End. No other school district took any action, though all of them were notified of the Snapchat posting.

School officials later said dismissal would occur at the regular time and police would be present during the process.