Bail Raised For Suspect In Beating Of Rangers Fan After Winter Classic
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A judge has raised the bail of a New Jersey man who is facing charges for his alleged role in a videotaped beating of a New York Rangers fan outside Geno's Steaks following the NHL's Winter Classic on January 2nd.
Dennis Veteri, 32, has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal conspiracy and reckless endangerment. The Glassboro resident surrendered to police on January 12th (see related story).
On Wednesday morning, a judge raised Veteri's bail to $400,000. His original bail was set at $100,000, which he posted 10 percent of and was released on Jan. 12th. However, Veteri remains behind bars until he is able to post an additional $30,000.
Cell phone video of the incident, which was posted on YouTube, captured a group of Flyers' fans attacking a pair of Rangers' fans outside Geno's Steaks at 9th and Passyunk in South Philadelphia. The suspects continued to punch and kick the victims after they were on the ground (see previous story and video).
One of the victims was identified as Neal Auricchio of Westfield, New Jersey, who is an Iraq War veteran and a police officer in Woodbridge, N.J. Auricchio suffered severe facial injuries during the violent attack.
Investigators say Veteri said "Welcome to South Philly, (expletive)!" as he stood over Auricchio.
Court records show that Veteri has a history of seven arrests that include aggravated assault and heroin possession.
Investigators are currently searching for at least two more suspects.
