NEWPORT BEACH : Marine Arrested in Ear-Biting Incident
Police arrested a Marine private after a bar fight during which he allegedly bit off a portion of a patron’s ear.
Mark O’Neal, 22, who is stationed at Tustin Marine Corps Air Station, was arrested at Cassidy’s bar, 2605 Newport Blvd., at 11:10 p.m. Sunday, said Sgt. Andy Gonis. O’Neal allegedly was one of about five Marines who were fighting with a bouncer and patrons at the bar, Gonis said.
It was not clear what prompted the fight, Gonis said.
During the brawl, O’Neal allegedly bit off a one-inch piece of Guy Soeder’s left ear, Gonis said. A friend drove Soeder, 22, of Newport Beach, to Hoag Hospital, where he was treated and released, a hospital spokeswoman said.
O’Neal was booked on suspicion of mayhem at Newport Beach City Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail, Gonis said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
