Stabbing Followed Dispute Over Drink Bill, Authorities Say
A Brooklyn bar bouncer is facing manslaughter charges after allegedly stabbing a rowdy patron to death during a brawl that spilled out onto the street, according to police and sources.
Victim Identified, Cause of Death Revealed
Maurice Hartridge, 43, was arrested Saturday in connection with the fatal stabbing of 37-year-old Daryl Dawkins. The incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. on April 7th, just outside of the Catch 22 bar on Third Avenue near 73rd Street in Bay Ridge.
Argument Erupts Over Bill, Leads to Physical Altercation
Kenny stated that Dawkins argued with a female bartender regarding his bill. A male bartender intervened, attempting to calm the situation. However, Dawkins refused to cooperate, prompting the bouncers to escort him outside.
Grainy surveillance footage reportedly shows Dawkins swinging at one of the bouncers, leading to a physical altercation. The video then shows Dawkins falling to the ground after sustaining a single stab wound to the upper left chest, puncturing his heart and aorta.
Bouncer’s Actions Under Scrutiny
According to a criminal complaint, Hartridge, who resides in the Bronx, was the last person to make physical contact with Dawkins before he fell. The complaint further details that Dawkins made a punching motion towards Hartridge, leading the bouncer to grab and push him backwards.
Aftermath and Community Response
Following the stabbing, officers transported Dawkins to NYU Langone Brooklyn, but he succumbed to his injuries. Hartridge, whose bail is set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond, is scheduled for his next court appearance on Friday.
