An Orange County (FL) deputy was injured when several soccer fans attacked him as he worked to break up a fight after Sunday night’s Orlando City game.
Gustavo “Gus” Marinoni, a 14-year department veteran, was working extra duty for the Orlando Police Department at the soccer team’s home opener, the team’s first game in its new stadium.
After the game ended about 7:45 p.m., he tried to break up a fight on Church Street near Parramore Avenue, police said.
Marinoni, who was in uniform, was struck and choked, according to Orlando police Lt. Robert Bear.
Felix Vazquez, 27, of Bronx, N.Y., was accused of choking Marinoni. Vazquez was arrested on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, two counts of resisting arrest and one count of disorderly conduct.
Also charged was Katerina Sopilidis, who is accused of resisting arrest and fighting, according to an arrest report.
Orlando’s soccer team had just defeated New York City Football Club, 1-0.
The deputy was taken to the hospital because of a leg injury, but the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday that he was recovering at home.
