Melee at Mansion Ends in Assault Charge for Employee

An employee of the Mansion nightclub in Brick Township faces an aggravated assault charge following a Sunday night dustup that left a patron hospitalized.

Esteban Chavez-Mata, 29, of Toms River, was processed on a warrant with bail set at $15,000 in Ocean County Superior Court.

According to police, it began as an argument inside the club between Chavez-Mata and the unidentified patron. Investigators working with witness accounts accuse Chavez-Mata of taking him out of the club in a headlock and throwing him to the ground.

The victim landed on his head, opening a huge gash that began bleeding profusely. Police who were already stationed at the crowded club began treating the wound, later supported by Brick Emergency Medical Squad members. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

Allison Arias, 23, of Bradley Beach, is also charged with aggravated assault and resisting arrest. Police say that she tried to break through the crowd to reach the victim, ignored police orders to stay back, and punched Officer Joe Pacitti in the head.

Her bail was set at $30,000.

The incident is still under investigation and Brick police seek cooperation from witnesses. Detectives Thomas Cooney and Mike Feeney can be reached at 732-262-1120.