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Fart leads to fight at Florida bar

Couples scuffle after argument about fart escalates

(Associated Press)

KEY WEST, Fla. – A fart led to a fight last Monday night at a popular Key West bar.

Key West police were called to an altercation at Sloppy Joe's Bar on Duval Street shortly before 9:45 p.m.

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According to a Key West police incident report, Sandra Stoner, 55, and her boyfriend, Richard McBride, 53, both of Naples, were drinking at the bar with friends when they got into an argument with another couple about a fart. The argument led to a physical altercation, and an unidentified man punched McBride in the face.

Stoner said McBride defended himself and fought back, dislocating his shoulder during the scuffle.

The other couple left the bar, and police couldn't find them.

McBride corroborated Stoner's story, saying the argument was "due to someone 'farting,'" but he didn't know what exactly sparked the fight.

Officer Igor Kasyanenko said he reviewed the surveillance video and saw Stone get out of her seat and confront the other woman by "getting in her face in what appeared to me as an aggressive manner."  Kasyanenko said the man got in between them in an attempt to separate them, but McBride intervened and pushed the woman, prompting the man to punch him in the face.

The officer said McBride tackled the man and they fell to the ground. Sloppy Joe's security then broke up the fight.

McBride was taken to Lower Keys Medical Center to be evaluated. He said he didn't want to press charges and signed a release form.

Police said Stoner and McBride smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes.


About the Author
Peter Burke headshot

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

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