A chaotic brawl, reportedly involving weapons, erupted at a local bar in Southbridge in the early hours of May 18, leading to arrests and officers injured. According to a Facebook post by the Southbridge Police Department, police were dispatched to the bar after receiving reports of the disturbance.
On arrival, law enforcement found a heated situation with a large crowd that was not only uncooperative but confrontational. Officers attempting to calm the scene were met with thrown drinks and pushing, some even suffered assaults. It was stated that, "subjects in the crowd began to throw cups of what appeared to be liquor at officers, began pushing officers and became assaultive towards officers." Amidst the growing chaos, mutual aid was called in from surrounding areas.
The reinforcements from Webster, Auburn, Spencer, Millbury, Charlton Police Departments, and the Massachusetts State Police, were needed to manage the increasingly hostile crowd. During the melee, an officer was injured and had to be taken to UMass Harrington for treatment.
The situation culminated with two arrests: 21-year-old Armani ROSARIO and 29-year-old Nicholas D. RIVERA, both of Southbridge, MA, faced multiple charges including assault and battery on a police officer. "Both were held at Southbridge Police Headquarters pending their release on bail and/or their arraignment in Dudley District Court on Monday, May 19, 2025." Notes the police report. Their court appearance outcomes are pending.
