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Actor Matthew Porretta, who the Darien Times reports has appeared in numerous television and film roles and has taught acting classes in town, is suing Christopher Aikler of Norwalk, who was charged with assaulting him on Dec. 18. Porretta is also suing the bar, Chez Ernie's as well as its proprietor Steven Palmer, the Darien Times reported.
Related story: Norwalk man charged in Darien bar fight that left two injured
Christopher Aikler, 43, of Norwalk was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree assault and breach of peace. He posted a $15,000 bond and will appear in court on Jan. 23.
Darien Police responded to Chez Ernie's Cafe on Tokeneke Road at around 1 a.m. on Dec. 18 on a report of a fight in progress. When officers arrived they found Porretta, 51,, with severe facial injuries. A second victim, a 51-year-old Southbury man, also had a minor injury, police said.
Witnesses told police that the suspect, later identified as Aikler, had struck Porretta with a glass and then hit the second victim with his fist during the ensuing skirmish. Aikler was escorted out of the bar by employees and had left the scene by the time officers arrived, police said.
Both victims were taken to Stamford Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Due to the severity of Porretta's injuries, the Detective Division responded to process the scene and interview those involved, police said.
The next day detectives identified Aikler as the suspect, and he met with and gave full cooperation to detectives on Dec. 22, according to police. On Jan. 11 he turned himself in to police after learning there was a warrant out for his arrest. He was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree assault and breach of peace.
In Porretta's lawsuit, he says he several traumatic injuries to his left eye, nasal bone, cheek, scalp and spine, the Darien Times reported. He said he required emergency surgery, will require further surgery, and has been left with permanent scarring and emotional injuries, according to the Darien Times. He is suing for in excess of $15,000, as well as any costs the court decides on, according to the Darien Times.
The Darien Times reported that the case against Aikler is still ongoing and that he has not yet entered a plea.
Click here for the Darien Times story.
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