Three injured in Berwick after brawl involving knives, tasers

BERWICK, Maine — Two men were arrested and three others were injured and transported to a hospital after a fight erupted on School Street late Saturday evening.

According to Berwick Police, a fight between two groups of 10 and 14 people was reported on Saturday evening at 30 School St.

The fight reportedly started between the two groups from neighboring apartment buildings after a dog belonging to one person bit another person involved in the scuffle.

The fight that followed reportedly involved knives. As a result, three adult males were transported to area hospitals with lacerations, other injuries and pre-existing conditions at the fight’s conclusion.

One male, 29-year-old Richard Socoloski, was arrested on the scene of the fight, while a second male, 29-year-old Jeremy Hatcher, was arrested in another area of town after a stabbing involving another man.

Socoloski, of Berwick, was charged with criminal use of electronic weapon, likely a taser, which is a class D misdemeanor, disorderly conduct-fighting and violation of conditional release, both of which are class E misdemeanors.

Hatcher, also of Berwick, left the scene of the initial fight and became involved in another incident in which he stabbed a male who was uninvolved in the alleged dog biting incident.

Hatcher was charged with aggravated assault, which is a class B felony. The male victim suffered minor lacerations. When confronted by police, Hatcher refused to follow commands.

He was tased by police as a result of his disobedience.

Both men are being held at York County Jail. The case remains under investigation. Further arrests following the incident are expected.

The South Berwick and North Berwick Police Departments also responded to assist the fight.

© 2012 the Foster’s Daily Democrat

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