Orange County deputy choked during fight after soccer game, cops … – Orlando Sentinel
An Orange County deputy who was injured while trying to break up a fight among fans after the Orlando City soccer game Sunday is at home and recovering, the Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
Gustavo “Gus” Marinoni, a 14-year department veteran, was working extra duty for the Orlando Police Department at the soccer team’s home opener, the team’s first game in its new stadium.
After the game ended about 7:45 p.m., he tried to break up a fight on Church Street near Parramore Avenue, police said.
Marinoni, who was in uniform, was struck and choked, according to Orlando police Lt. Robert Bear.
Felix Vazquez, 27, of Bronx, N.Y., was accused of choking Marinoni. Vazquez was arrested on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest and one count of disorderly conduct.
Also charged was Katerina Sopilidis, who is accused of resisting arrest and fighting, according to an arrest report.
Orlando’s soccer team had just defeated New York City Football Club, 1-0.
The deputy was taken to the hospital because of a leg injury, but the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that he was recovering at home.
Footage of the incident shows a crowd of people in soccer clothing gathered near a patrol car.
The video shows people shoving an officer and the officer pushing back. Several other officers are kneeling near the patrol car, appearing to tend to someone on the ground.
Brandon Alba captured some of the incident on camera.
He said a group of fans of the New York team who lost to Orlando City, were arguing with some Orlando fans.
“Things started to get out of hand,” he said. “One of the New York fans started fighting with a cop and even choking him.”
Staff writer Rene Stutzman contributed to this report. chayes@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5493 or Twitter: @journo_christal
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