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."
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:23 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:23:02 GMT
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
A small street in the city's Fern Rock section is closed off to traffic - for a good reason!Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Philadelphia and the Sears Heroes At Home program have gathered at the Reed
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:19:45 GMT
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:21:46 GMT
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
He became an Internet celebrity for his interview after stopping a murder. But now it appears the tables have turned for "Kai the Hatchet-Wielding Hitchhiker."
Thursday, May 16 2013 8:39 AM EDT2013-05-16 12:39:06 GMT
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Investigators say a police-involved shooting occurred early Thursday morning after someone broke into an off-duty officer's shed outside a home in Northeast Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:57 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:57:53 GMT
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Philadelphia abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell has been sentenced to a third life term for killing an aborted baby that he described as so big it could "walk to the bus."
Friday, May 24 2013 9:37 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:37:26 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Friday, May 24 2013 7:29 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:29:02 GMT
Our World War II veterans have seen some of the farthest reaches of the globe. One sight they haven't seen: The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
From the beaches of Normandy to the islands of Okinawa, our World War II veterans have seen some of the farthest reaches of the globe. One sight they haven't seen: The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:25 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:25:17 GMT
This most-recent season of "American Idol" is still rousing passions in some households. Police say this Pennsylvania couple got into a knife fight over who should win the finale.
This most-recent season of "American Idol" is still rousing passions in some households. Police say this Pennsylvania couple got into a knife fight over who should win the finale.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:54 AM EDT2013-05-24 09:54:05 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:27 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:27:11 GMT
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:10:26 GMT
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:25:16 GMT
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
Matthew Sofka, 26, of the 500 block of Edgar Road, in Westfield N.J. (Courtesy: Philadelphia Police Dept.)
