Judge Quadruples Bail For Suspect In Winter Classic Beating Of Rangers Fan

PHILADELPHIA (WFAN/AP) — A Philadelphia judge has quadrupled the bail for a New Jersey man charged with brutally assaulting an off-duty police officer and Iraq war veteran in a fight between Flyers and Rangers fans following the NHL Winter Classic.

Thirty-two-year-old Dennis Veteri was held on $400,000 bail following Wednesday's hearing.

The Glassboro, N.J. man was arrested last week in connection with the fight outside Geno's, a popular South Philadelphia cheesesteak shop.

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Assistant District Attorney Caroline Keating-McGlynn said Veteri was the aggressor and landed the punch that knocked out Woodbridge Township, N.J., police officer Neal Auricchio. Police are still searching for two additional suspects.

"Out of nowhere (Veteri) threw an overhand punch that basically broke the victim's face," said Keating-McGlynn.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, defense attorney Michael DeFino complained the case had "taken on a life of its own." A video of the fight posted online shows a verbal confrontation escalate into a brawl that ends with Auricchio lying in the pavement.

"I don't remember anything," Auricchio told CBS 2's Dana Tyler earlier this month.

Veteri has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal conspiracy and reckless endangerment.

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