Grand Jury Charges in Kenmore Square Pizza Shop Beating

Two men have been indicted in a January pizzeria assault in Kenmore Square that left the victim with serious injuries.

A Suffolk County grand jury on Tuesday, July 10, returned indictments charging Daniel Hunt, 27, of Barrington, N.J., with assault and battery and Ian Salerno, 29, of Philadelphia, Penn. with aggravated assault and battery in connection with the assault at a Kenmore area pizzeria.  The men have been summonsed to appear for arraignment on Aug. 1.

According to prosecutors, Hunt and Salerno were among a group of individuals who were visiting Boston for a gathering that lasted into the early morning hours of Jan. 19, when they arrived at a Boylston Street pizza shop. The 24-year-old victim, a resident of Chestnut Hill at the time, was also at the restaurant with a separate group.

Hunt, an off-duty officer of the Haddon Heights, N.J., Police Department, confronted and then allegedly pushed the victim, starting a physical altercation. As members of both groups attempted to break up the fight, Salerno allegedly came behind the victim and punched him in the jaw, knocking him to the floor.

The victim was transported to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery.  As a result of the blow, the victim’s jaw had to be wired shut for three weeks and permanent metal plates were implanted in his jaw and cheek.

Boston Police obtained security camera footage and a receipt from the nearby bar where Hunt, Salerno, and others had been drinking prior to the altercation, photos from social media, witness statements, and other evidence to identify Hunt and Salerno.

Assistant District Attorney Kacie Sherman of Conley’s Major Felony Bureau led the grand jury investigation resulting in the indictments.

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