A Manhattan man was arrested for allegedly pistol-whipping a vendor and punching a cop after being thrown out of the Times Square Dave & Busters, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Brian Melecio, 24, was charged with two counts of assault in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
According to court documents, at 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 23 security guards at the Dave & Busters, located at 234 W 42nd St., allegedly kicked Melecio, who was intoxicated, out of the establishment. As he was leaving, Melecio allegedly pulled out a loaded gun and made threatening comments.
Once he was on the street, Melecio allegedly took the gun and tapped it on the glass door. After allegedly starting an argument with a street vendor outside, Melecio allegedly pistol-whipped the street vendor.
An NYPD officer allegedly saw Melecio assault the vendor, and when he tried to arrest him, Melecio allegedly punched the officer in the face.
“Times Square is no place for firearms,” said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “As alleged, Brian Melecio brought a loaded gun to a popular place to eat, drink, and have fun – putting employees and all of his fellow patrons in danger. After getting kicked out, we allege he not only pistol-whipped a street vendor, but punched a police officer. We do not tolerate illegal guns or violence against police officers.”
