Fight erupts between bridesmaids

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

ANTHONY G. ATTRINO AND MOLLIE GRAY

Verona-Cedar Grove TimesStaff writers

ADAM ANIK/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Richfield Regency is located at 420 Bloomfield Ave. in Verona.

Police officers from Verona, Cedar Grove and Montclair were called to break up a fight between two bridesmaids at the Richfield Regency last Sunday, according to police.

The bridesmaids had been attending a wedding reception when an argument broke out and the two got physical, police said.

The catering hall is located at 420 Bloomfield Ave.

Verona Police Chief Doug Huber said the disagreement arose between a 17-year-old girl and an adult woman, both of whom had been in the wedding party.

"They had some sort of verbal dispute that led to them pushing each other," Huber said.

Guests made efforts to keep the bridesmaids away from each other, said Jude Roppatte, owner of the business.

"They tried to break up the fight, but we didn't want to take chances so we called the police," Roppatte said, adding: "We call the police because we need to protect ourselves."

Roppatte called the fight a "family dispute between bridesmaids" but said he did not know what caused the problem.

A Richfield Regency staff member called police about 4 p.m.

The feud was still going on when the first officers arrived, according to Huber.

Four officers from Verona responded. Huber said additional backup was needed from Cedar Grove and Montclair police.

Roppatte said he didn't know why so many officers were needed, saying the decision to call in more agencies was made by police.

"There was a big crowd there, that's why we called in other officers," Huber said. "We had to separate the people because there was a large group of people around."

He estimated that more than 100 were at the reception.

Four people were treated by the rescue squad, but no serious injuries were reported.

No one was arrested, Huber said.

"Once the police got here everybody calmed down," Roppatte said. "The police calmed everybody down."

The bridesmaids were escorted out of the catering hall, Roppatte said.

"The wedding continued right after," he said.

The names of the bridesmaids were not released.

Roppatte called the disturbance out of the ordinary for the Richfield Regency. The business website describes the establishment as "a unique blend of city sophistication and suburban charm."