Officers injured after bar fight between up to 40 people prompts ‘citywide response,’ 6 arrested
SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — Two large fights at a bar in Salt Lake City — involving up to 40 people — led to the arrests of six individuals, as well as two police officers getting injured, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department .
Police said the fight prompted a "citywide response" from officers, and the investigation began just before 11:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. Officers learned that a suspect had reportedly assaulted three people but left the scene in a car.
Police initially responded to a fight in progress at a bar near 1700 South Main Street. Officers attempted to break up the fight, but while they were addressing the first incident, SLCPD said another fight broke out outside the bar around 12:07 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
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Police said two groups started arguing with each other after the initial investigation into the first fight was almost done.
"It is estimated that 30-40 people began fighting with each other and officers," SLCPD said in a press release on Saturday.
Officers used oleoresin capsicum spray (pepper spray) in their attempts to "contain the incident and restore public safety," police said. Neither of the injured officers were taken to the hospital after the incident.
"Even after officers separated the groups, several splinter fights continued," police said.
The six people who were taken into custody in connection to the fights were arrested for charges including public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an arresting officer.
The following people were arrested:
Carnation Foni, 23
Chelzie Atoa, 32
Telphi Asiata, 32
Anastasia Asiata, 36
Edwina Atoa, 36
Lagi Fuiava, 38
Police said the circumstances of the two fights are not yet known.
SLCPD also said the preliminary information provided on Saturday may change as the investigation continues. There is no further information at this time.
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
