South Windsor Cop Dies Trying To Break Up Bar Fight In S.C.

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT - A decorated off-duty police officer is dead following an assault at a South Carolina bar, according to the Georgetown County Sheriff's Office. Matthew Mainieri, 41, was transferred to Grand Strand Medical Center but died of head injuries around 3 p.m. Sunday.

He had been at Uncle Tito's in Murrells Inlet when he was assaulted. Kelton Jess Todd, 21, of Aynor, S.C., has been charged with assault. Further charges are pending investigation. Todd posted bond Monday.

New details have been released Monday concerning the fatal incident at the bar. Mainieri was vacationing in South Carolina and Todd sucker punched Mainieri outside of the bar around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, according to WMBF NBC News. Mainieri was trying to break up a bar brawl at the time of the assault.

“This is the worst possible news one can imagine and we are totally heart-broken,” said South Windsor Mayor Dr. M. Saud Anwar, according to WMBF NBC News.

In a statement, South Windsor Police said, "It is with profound sadness that the members of the South Windsor Police Department mourn the death of Sergeant Matthew Mainieri. South Windsor Police Sergeant Matthew Mainieri #155 died this afternoon of injuries sustained in an off-duty incident in South Carolina last night while trying to break up a fight.

"Sgt. Mainieri was a 20-year employee of the South Windsor Police Department. He began working as a Community Service Officer in January 1998 and became a police officer in May of 1999. During his career, Matthew served as an Officer, Corporal and Sergeant. He served in the Traffic Division and Detective Division. He was member of the regional traffic unit (Metro Traffic Services) and was an accident reconstructionist. He was also an outstanding instructor in many areas including firearms and motorcycle instructor. He was a member of our regional emergency services team (C.R.E.S.T.) and was skilled at explosive breaching.

"In recent months, Sgt. Mainieri became heavily involved in starting a Drone Program for the Police Department and obtaining the drone technology to find missing persons and suspects. He was also the recipient of several awards including the department Medal of Valor, Chief’s Award, and Certificates of Commendation. Sgt. Mainieri spent his off-duty time with friends riding motorcycles, traveling to Vermont and South Carolina. He leaves behind his mother, sister, girlfriend and countless friends.

"We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends as well as his police family throughout Connecticut and beyond. Final arrangements have not been made as of this writing and we will be assisting his family during this difficult time."

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Image via South Windsor Police