Crime & Safety
Drunken Newton Man Started Fight at Sparta Lanes, Cops Say
Matthew Collins was treated for head injury, charged with disorderly conduct.
A Newton resident was charged with disorderly conduct after police said he started a fight at the Sparta Bowling Lanes that left him unconscious.
Matthew Collins, 19, of Newton was "highly intoxicated" when he arrived at the Lanes April 12 with a group of friends, Sgt. John-Paul Beebe said. Collins was generally disruptive and bothering other patrons, including a 17-year-old resident of Franklin who he slapped in the face without provocation, Beebe said.
The Franklin teen threw a punch in self-defense, knocking Collins to the floor unconscious.
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The Newton man was taken to Newton Medical Center with a head injury. He was later charged with disorderly conduct.
The 17-year-old Franklin resident was not charged, Beebe said.
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