NORTHAMPTON — Four people arrested outside Platform Sports Bar early Sunday morning each pleaded not guilty to various charges stemming from the violent altercation that police say drew a crowd of some 50 onlookers.
Northampton police responded to the area at about 1:40 a.m. following reports of a “large fight” unfolding in front of the bar, according to a police report. Few details have emerged about what may have precipitated the fight, other than police saying Nariman Askarov, 23, of West Springfield, kicked a bar security staff member in the ribs while he lay on the ground. Askarov was ultimately restrained after being held against a fence that police said sustained minor damage as a result of the scuffle.
Authorities said several family members and friends of Askarov’s — who were visibly agitated and upset at the sight of his arrest — were also arrested after they refused police orders to disperse from the scene.
Askarov pleaded not guilty Monday in Northampton District Court to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shod foot), disorderly conduct and wanton destruction of property less than $250.
The three others, Islam Agayev, 20, Alyah C. Harbey, 19, and Abdi S. Mameov, 27, all of West Springfield, pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct.
Harbey also pleaded not guilty to resisting arrest after police said she tried to stop authorities from taking her boyfriend, Agayev.
In addition to the disorderly conduct charge, Mamedov pleaded not guilty to two counts of vandalizing with a noxious/filthy substance after police said he spit saliva and blood on the floor of the cruiser. Police also said he urinated out of the jail cell door during booking at the department.
Police said Mamedov reported the fight began after he was jumped. He refused to identify who allegedly jumped him, according to the report.
All four are due back in court March 8.
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com.