NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Fists were flying as a large group of people skirmished outside Spectators Sports Pub at 219 North Avenue early Sunday morning. During the melee, a person pulled put a knife and stabbed a bouncer working in front of the popular bar and restaurant in downtown New Rochelle.
The victim, stabbed in the leg, was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. The injury is not believed to be life-threatening, said New Rochelle Police Sgt. Kyle Wilson.
Brian W. Lawrence, 22, of 38 Winchcombe Way in New Rochelle, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with Assault with Intent to Cause Serious Injury with a Weapon, a felony. A knife, allegedly belonging to the suspect, was recovered at the scene.
Police also recovered illegal drugs off of Lawrence who, according to Wilson, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (narcotics).
“There was a melee in front of the bar and the bouncer was breaking it up and he was stabbed,” said Wilson.
The incident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. as patrons exited the bar after “last call”. A fight broke out during which the bouncer was stabbed in the right hip, according to Wilson. There no other reported injuries.
UPDATE MONDAY 2/26 11:30 AM: Judge Gail Rice ordered Brian Lawrence held on bail of $5,000 bond or $2,500 cash and a Temporary Order of Protection against the victim and a witness in the police investigation plus a stay away order from Spectators Pub at 219 North Avenue. He was ordered to be a TASC (Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities) evaluation before his next appearance date on March 27th.
Lawrence appeared in New Rochelle City Court today to be arraigned before Rice. He was represented by Dino J. Mountroukas, a private attorney from Hartsdale, NY.
Standing before Judge Rice, Lawrence was wearing dark pants, a zipped up black athletic shirt and sneakers.
Lawrence made no plea. His lawyer waived a reading of the charges.
The Assistant District Attorney told Judge Rice the stabbing victim remained hospitalized at Jacobi Medical Center due to their injuries.
Mountroukas said Lawrence lives with his father in White Plains, NY and has had a full-time job for last several years at Polpettina restaurant in Eastchester, NY where he is employed as Head Chef.
Mountroukas pointed out the suspect’s family was in court including his father, mother, and two sisters. The father could be heard moaning as his son was unshackled by court police officers so he could sign documents presented to him.
Lawrence’s father told Judge he would post bail for his son.
Lawrence is due back in court on March 27th.