Police have identified a man who they say assaulted officers during a post-wedding-reception brawl caught on tape at a Philadelphia hotel early Sunday morning.
Police said he's Matthew Sofka, 26, of the 500 block of Edgar Road, in Westfield, N.J.
Sofka faces counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and riot, police said.
Cell phone video was shot from a hotel balcony by other guests awoken by the commotion around 2 a.m. The footage shows mayhem in the Society Hill Sheraton's lobby. Several wedding parties were staying at the hotel Saturday night.
Wedding guests say two brothers got into a fight. Something was thrown, and it hit another person. That's when the chaos erupted.
FOX 29's Steve Keeley reported Monday morning that one man is seen on the video failing to calm down, go down or be wrestled down, even after being restrained by several officers. He spent the wedding night in jail.
As all of this was unfolding, an uncle of one bride from Bucks County stumbled outside, suffered a heart attack and died despite attempts to resuscitate him outside the reception and at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
He was identified as Vincent Sannuti. Relatives said it was his 57th birthday.
His niece and her new groom are now reported to be skipping their honeymoon to attend the uncle's funeral.
Several wedding guests ended up in the emergency room after the fight. Three landed in jail, police said.
Investigators did not announce any other charges Monday morning.
"Philadelphia Police Department expects that there will be more arrests in the future (not today)," the police department stated in a news release. "This is an active investigation."
Wednesday, June 5 2013 4:47 PM EDT2013-06-05 20:47:13 GMT
We're following breaking details about the serial rapist terrorizing a local neighborhood. FOX 29's Steve Keeley has brand new information this morning.
We're following breaking details about the serial rapist terrorizing a local neighborhood. FOX 29's Steve Keeley has brand new information this morning.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:45 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:45:53 GMT
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
An unspeakable crime in Southwest Philadelphia. The details are very disturbing. Police say a man who is a paraplegic has been stabbed and his genitals severed by another man, after the two got into an
Monday, June 17 2013 10:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:41:15 GMT
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
The Rolling Stones will perform in Philadelphia on Tuesday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Fans will undoubtedly buy memorabilia to remember the event. One item being sold at an auction will surely catch
Monday, June 17 2013 10:25 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:25:38 GMT
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby. It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
An armed deli robbery is caught on camera. Two brazen gunmen held up the store owner with the man's kids right nearby.It's scary enough having armed gunmen storm your business.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:44 PM EDT2013-06-18 00:44:29 GMT
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
South Philly neighborhood parents are so worried about cars speeding down their street while kids are at play that they installed their own speed bumps.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:55 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:55:01 GMT
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
New Jersey is considering changing the requirements to be a teacher in the Garden State. A proposal would require prospective teachers to have at least a "B" average in college before they get certified.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:51:37 GMT
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Parents and Philadelphia staff members are going on a hunger strike. Hunger strikers will camp outside Governor Tom Corbett's office in Philadelphia until the system gets additional funding.
Matthew Sofka, 26, of the 500 block of Edgar Road, in Westfield N.J. (Courtesy: Philadelphia Police Dept.)
