Second Westfield Man Charged With Assault in Philadelphia Wedding Brawl

Brian Lanza, 29, of Westfield, who had an active arrest warrant for assault on police, turned himself in to central detectives on Monday, October 15, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Lanza was originally arrested for disorderly conduct; he received a citation and was released. Through further investigation it was determined that Lanza did assault an officer on Sunday, October 7, 2012, inside the bar area of the Society Hill Sheraton Hotel located on Dock Street.

A disorderly conduct charge will be withdrawn by the District Attorney's Office as Lanza is charged with more serious offenses including: criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, simple assault, resisting arrest and related offenses. 

According to Philadelphia police, Lanza was involved in the wedding brawl that broke out between two wedding parties at the Society Hill Sheraton and was captured in a YouTube video that went viral. was also charged with assaulting police in connection with the fight that involved as many as 100 people and took over the bar and lobby of the hotel.

Sofka's attorney Fortunato Perri Jr. told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the brawl was already underway when his client arrived and they intend to fight the charges. Afterwas released Monday, Oct. 10 and is next due in court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Oct. 25.

Philadelphia police could not confirm a hearing date for Lanza. 

According to reports, Sofka and Lanza were in Philadelphia to attend Sofka's brother's wedding. 

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