Springfield Bar Owner Accused Of Beating Patrons Alongside 6 Officers Also Facing Charges

The co-owner of a Massachusetts bar charged along with several police officers with beating four of his customers after they left his business has pleaded not guilty.

John Sullivan, the co-owner of Nathan Bill's Bar and Restaurant in Springfield, was arraigned in Superior Court on Wednesday on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and misleading an investigator. He was released on personal recognizance.

Six officers are charged with assault and battery in connection with the off-duty altercation outside Nathan Bill's in April 2015. The alleged attack stemmed from an argument hours earlier inside the bar. Eight other current and former officers are charged with covering up the fight.

Sullivan's attorney has said his client "did not participate in the altercation in any way."