PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Five people were arrested in connection with a brawl during a family gathering at South Philadelphia’s Chickie’s and Pete’s earlier this month.
Police responded to the restaurant around 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 for a report of a person screaming and the sound of a robbery alarm going off. They quickly discovered two groups of people fighting, stemming from a family get-together at the restaurant.
Officers tried to break them up and detain one of the combatants — 39-year-old Joseph Baldino — but police said he resisted and punched a sergeant in the face multiple times.
Baldino was treated for facial injuries at the hospital before he was taken to a police station for processing.
Police announced the charges on Thursday against Baldino and four others for their involvement in the fight.
Baldino was charged with aggravated assault and assaulting a police officer. John Ciancaglini, 68, and his wife, 62-year-old Kathy Ciancaglini, were charged with disorderly conduct, criminal conspiracy and related offenses.
Two brothers, 45-year-old Richard DiBella and 37-year-old Michael DiBella, turned themselves in, and they were also charged.
Police did not say what prompted the fight.
Editor’s update, April 28, 2025:
According to court documents, Kathy Ciancaglini was admitted to a year-long Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program and an anger management course. Richard DiBella pleaded guilty to an assault charge and was also ordered to complete an ARD program.
On April 17, Joseph Baldino pleaded guilty to simple assault and resisting arrest and was sentenced to two years of probation.