Suspect In Beating Of Rangers Fan After Winter Classic Hockey Game Surrenders

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Police in Philadelphia have made an arrest in a brutal videotaped beating of a New York Rangers fan after the NHL's Winter Classic on Jan. 2.

The police were quick to point out cell phone video was key in apprehending the suspects. One man has been arrested and police said the search is still on for two or possibly three more people, reports CBS 2's Chris Wragge.

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"I don't remember anything." That's what Iraq War veteran and Woodbridge, N.J., police officer Neal Auricchio told CBS 2's Dana Tyler last week. Police say Auricchio was pummeled by 32-year-old Dennis Veteri of Glassboro, N.J., outside Geno's, a popular South Philadelphia cheesesteak shop.

"He is no stranger to law enforcement. He has quite a few priors in both the commonwealth and in other states," Philadelphia Police Capt. Larry Nodiff said of the suspect.

When CBS 2 spoke with the victim last week Auricchio could not appear on camera because he needed more than 50 stitches to his face and his eye was swollen shut. However, he did say, "I would just like to see them step forward and pay criminally for what they did."

Veteri is charges with aggravated assault, simple assault, conspiracy and recklessly endangering another person.

"The instigator was clearly Veteri. The first punches were thrown by Veteri and his associates," Capt. Nodiff said.

Veteri was arraigned at 2 a.m. Friday and his bail was set at $100,000, which he posted. Veteri is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 31.

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