Melee At Concert As Crowd Interrupts Arrest Of Suspect Who Took A Swing At A Cop: Police

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — City of Poughkeepsie police officers were conducting a foot patrol on Academy Street around 3 a.m. on Sunday when a crowd became dangerously unruly.

The patrol was established to maintain a presence during a large concert in the area. Officers saw a fight break out, and the brawl soon drew a significant crowd, according to police.

As officers worked to separate the combatants, one suspect swung a closed fist at an officer, according to police. That suspect was being placed under arrest when a large crowd surrounded the officers. Members of that crowd began to threaten physical harm to the officers, police said.

In response to the escalating situation and the threats made by the crowd, an urgent mutual aid request was transmitted by officers at the scene. The plea for assistance brought additional law enforcement agencies to the scene: the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, and MTA police.

The combined efforts of the responding agencies soon dispersed the crowd.

No further details regarding injuries to the officer or charges against any participants were immediately available. The incident took place in the area of 33 Academy Street, where the concert was being held.

The presence of the New York State Police in the area was also noted during the initial foot patrol. Their involvement was part of the broader security efforts for the large event.