75 people brawl at birthday party

CINCINNATI - A fight involving 75 people broke out early Tuesday morning in Elmwood Place at a 3-year-old's birthday party.

At least seven police jurisdictions had to be called in to get the large brawl under control, according to the Elmwood Place police chief.

"When officers arrived there it was a pretty intense fight going on inside. They actually had to wait until they got back up there in order to make entry because there were so many people throwing bottles and chairs so they had to actually wait," said Chief William Peskin of Elmwood Place Police.

Police said 150 people were attending a 3-year-old's birthday party at the Fraternal Order of Eagle's Hall in the 5600 block of Vine Street when a fight broke out between the girl's father and her mother's boyfriend.

Police charged 26-year-old Ramon Marcela-Hernandez with disorderly conduct. Officers said he is the father of the 3-year-old girl.

Chief William Peskin said the investigation is being impeded by lack of co-operation and language barriers.

Fifteen people were injured in the clash with at least five of those hospitalized, including one person who required surgery to the eye due to a cut from a beer bottle.

Four people were treated for cuts and released from the hospital.

Police said beer bottles were the primary weapons used in the melee and that four people were detained. All four likely face charges, but police have not released their names or those charges.

"Anywhere you could think of there was blood and broken glass," said Peskin. "We were told there was one gentleman who stood in the back of the room throwing bottles until he didn't have any more in front of him."

A total of 20 officers responded to the scene and police believe a majority of those involved were heavily intoxicated.

Police said the Eagle's Hall was being rented out and their membership was not involved.

A cleaning crew was sweeping up shattered glass from numerous broken beer bottles and wiping up dried blood found on several areas of the floor later Tuesday.

"They seemed like they were nice people. I talked one or two of them. They were asking me to help them move in stuff for the party, microwaves and things. They seemed like nice normal people," said Jesse Ficke of Eagles Lodge.

One of the few items remained untouched for the most part was the 3-year-old's birthday cake that read Feliz Cumpleanos which means Happy Birthday in Spanish.

Children's Services is conducting their own investigation. Police estimate there were 30 children in attendance at the party.