Fight Inside Big Y in Branford Leads to Arrest of Father and Son

Branford police describe a scary scene inside the Big Y Grocery store Monday evening where a father and son are accused of attacking a teen which allegedly included a chokehold and the use of a baseball bat, said Police Capt. Geoffrey Morgan.

Two other juveniles were charged as well, police said.

Mark Balzano, 49, of 56 Rose Hill Road and his son, Brandyn Balzano, 19, of 88 Pinski Drive were charged for allegedly fighting with a juvenile inside of Big Y Grocery Store at 1075 West Main Street at 7:15 p.m.

Sergeant Philip Ramey said officers responded to the shopping plaza on a report of a man attacking someone with a baseball bat, police said.

When officers arrived, shoppers in the area directed their attention inside of Big Y where they apprehended both Mark and Brandyn Balzano, police said.

After a short search with the Department’s K9, Joker, Officer Luigi Amasino located and took into custody a 16 year-old juvenile suspect that was fighting with Brandyn, police said.

Also taken custody was a second 17 year-old juvenile for his involvement during the altercation.

Police learned that the altercation began at the rear of the plaza when Mark Balzano allegedly threatened a group with a baseball bat and allegedly choked a 16 year-old juvenile, police said.

During the altercation, Brandyn chased and later fought with juveniles that were located inside of the store, police said.

Brandyn Balzano was charged with breach of peace and was released on a promise to appear. Mark Balzano was charged with first-degree strangulation, second-degree threatening, and breach of peace.

He was later released on a $1,000 cash bond. Both are scheduled to appear in New Haven court on July 21, 2015.

Both Juveniles were charged with breach of Peace and released to their parents.

Photos provided by the Branford Police Department.