Four New Haven Men Charged in East Haven Bar Fight

One man accused of assaulting officer trying to break up brawl

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's badge, the metallic surface reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A police badge's metallic surface reflects the harsh light, symbolizing the dangers officers face when intervening in violent confrontations.New Haven Today

Four men from New Haven have been arrested following a fight that broke out in the rear parking lot of Rumba's Bar in East Haven, Connecticut early Sunday morning. One of the men is accused of assaulting a police officer who was attempting to restore order during the altercation.

Why it matters

Bar fights and assaults on police officers are serious public safety concerns in East Haven, a town that has grappled with issues of community-police relations in recent years. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining order in entertainment districts and the risks officers face when intervening in violent confrontations.

The details

According to East Haven police, the fight broke out around 2 a.m. as two separate groups of bar patrons were leaving the premises. Officers on a proactive crime suppression detail observed the groups arguing and fighting in the rear parking lot, and repeatedly ordered them to stop. During the altercation, one individual, identified as Brian Alvarado-Santos, broke away from the fight and assaulted an officer who was trying to intervene, striking the officer multiple times in the face and taking him to the ground. Police ultimately used pepper spray to end the confrontation. In addition to Alvarado-Santos, three other New Haven men - Matthew Aponte-Allen, Carlos Crespo, and Bryant Keith Thomas - were arrested and charged with various offenses related to the incident.

  • The fight broke out around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, 2026.
  • The four men are scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in New Haven on April 22, 2026.

The players

Brian Alvarado-Santos

A 31-year-old New Haven resident charged with assault on police, third-degree assault, second-degree breach of peace, and interfering with an officer.

Matthew Aponte-Allen

A 37-year-old New Haven resident charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace.

Carlos Crespo

A 41-year-old New Haven resident charged with third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace.

Bryant Keith Thomas

A 23-year-old New Haven resident charged with second-degree breach of peace and interfering with an officer.

East Haven Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident.

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What they’re saying

“'During the altercation, one individual broke away from the fight and turned his attention toward an officer attempting to restore order, striking the officer multiple times in the face. The officer was taken to the ground, where the assault continued.'”

— Capt. Joseph M. Murgo, East Haven Police Department

What’s next

The four men are scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in New Haven on April 22, 2026, where a judge will determine if they will be allowed to post bail and be released pending further legal proceedings.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public order and safety, particularly in entertainment districts where alcohol consumption can contribute to volatile situations. It also highlights the risks officers take when intervening in violent confrontations, and the importance of de-escalation tactics and community-oriented policing approaches to address the root causes of such conflicts.