REPORT: Sheriff Carpinelli stands his ground for firing warning shots during New Year’s bar brawl
OSCEOLA- Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli is standing his ground for firing a series of warning shots to disperse a New Year’s bar brawl.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight during the first few moments of 2026 at the Osceola Hotel.
As previously reported, the Sheriff was attending a New Year’s celebration and was off duty when the fight erupted, which involved nearly two-dozen people.
Carpinelli originally told us last week that he attempted to intervene by identifying himself as law enforcement and tried to break things up, but instead, he ended up getting punched numerous times in the back before brawlers started pelting his personal truck with cans of food.
This is when the Sheriff retreated to his truck and retrieved his handgun before firing three rounds up into the air.
Sheriff Carpinelli originally told us how instinctive the situation was and there came a time he began fearing for his life and others. However, not everyone is agreeing with the Sheriff’s decision.
In fact, the Sheriff continues to take a storm of fire from people making remarks on social media questioning his decision to discharge his own handgun in such a scenario.
Despite the online heat, Sheriff Carpinelli recently told reporters from WWNY-TV that he stands firm with the choice he made, citing the remoteness of the general Osceola, NY area.
“It’s one thing when people are punching people. It’s another when people start to kick people. I didn’t want to see anyone get injured or possibly killed over a ridiculous bar fight that had gotten way out of control,” the Sheriff explained to reporters.
For context, back-up was called to the scene, but it took them an hour to arrive.
While speaking to reporters, the Sheriff claimed that Lewis County has no regulations about warning shots and does not see an issue with the way he handled the situation.
For now, the brawl remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.
North Country News image.
