Officer hurt responding to scuffle outside bar

9/21/2003

A fight that spilled out of the Atrium Bar into its parking lot at 3122 Airport Hwy. yesterday led to charges of felonious assault on a police officer, rioting, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business, authorities said.

Kerry K. Briggs, 22, of 23 Southard Ave., was charged with felonious assault on a police officer after allegedly kicking and elbowing an officer in the face, cutting him below his left eye while the officer was trying to handcuff him. Mr. Briggs also was charged with rioting and resisting arrest.

Mr. Briggs allegedly had been fighting with Robert Gray, Jr., 23, of 2318 Applewood Ct., and Marcus Fitzpatrick, 24, of 813 Thornwood Drive, when police arrived at 2:35 a.m. and they allegedly refused to obey officers' repeated instructions to stop. Mr. Gray and Mr. Fitzpatrick were charged with rioting and resisting arrest. An officer was hit in the forehead while handcuffing Mr. Gray, police said.

Charles Carrington, 20, of 931 Underwood Ave., allegedly refused to leave and became loud; he was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing official business.