Four people were arrested and endless viral videos were shared following the intense bar fight, which broke out around 10:30 pm on Nov. 22 at the massive Chinese restaurant, a favorite of locals and tourists alike, Kowloon. Just hours earlier, the restaurant posted a photo on their social media pages of the extensive lines of hungry diners waiting to enter the mammoth venue on Thanksgiving Eve.
“We are very grateful for the hundreds of customers who are waiting outside to join us for their pre-Thanksgiving meal,” they wrote. “Thank you!”
A week later, the Saugus Police Department said four people have been charged in the violent incident, Boston.com reported. Rosaria Sophia McCauly, 32, of North Reading, faces two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a count of disorderly conduct. She was seen on video wielding a glass bottle as a weapon, Boston25 reported. Also charged is Arnold John Carey Marujo, 19, of Somerville, who faces charges of underage drinking and disorderly conduct. Donovan Clark, 19, of Lynn also faces an underage drinking charge, as well as disorderly conduct and assault and battery. Finally, Anthony John Micelli, 35, of North Reading, faces charges of assault and battery and disorderly conduct.
In the videos that were captured of the fight and posted across social media, several men and women can be seen fighting in a bar area of the restaurant. One man, dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt, can be seen with blood streaming down his face, while another is shown with his shirt off. The videos show a Saugus Police officer interjecting and attempting to de-escalate the fight.
The Saugus Police Department had six officers already at the restaurant at the time of the fight. By the time Massachusetts State Police arrived on the scene, the Saugus Police had already broken up the fight, a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson previously told Boston.com.
“The Kowloon is a family-friendly restaurant, unfortunately, a few unruly patrons ruined a nice evening for many others," Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said in a statement at the time, NBC Boston reported. "A disturbance such as this on Thanksgiving Eve is unacceptable and disgusting.”
In response to the brawl, Bob Wong, whose family owns the restaurant, told NBC that the fight was an unfortunate downside of being an incredibly popular local spot.
"When I heard that it was on social media and all the people who were watching it, I was like, Oh my God, I guess that’s the good and bad of being popular," Wong said. "You know we’re not really known for a place with people getting drunk and having fights," Wong said. "Back in the old days, it would’ve just been a fight. But because social media is involved, it becomes bigger than it is. It’s a little more sensationalized I guess."