Off-duty firefighter arrested after deadly bar fight in Queens

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Sunday, March 28, 2021
Off-duty firefighter arrested after deadly bar fight in NYC
An off-duty FDNY firefighter is charged with assault in connection with the death of a man who was punched and fell and hit his head outside a bar in Queens.

WHITESTONE, Queens (WABC) -- An off-duty FDNY firefighter is charged with assault in connection with the death of a man who was punched and fell and hit his head outside a bar in Queens Saturday.

Justin Deieso, 35, was arrested at the scene.

Police say he and 55-year-old Devin Deegan got into a fight outside of Terrace Inn Bar and Grill in Whitestone around 4 a.m.

Police say Deieso punched Deegan in the face; Deegan then fell and hit his head on pavement.

Officers found Deegan lying on the pavement, with trauma to the back of his head.

EMS took him to Flushing Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death and the investigation remains ongoing.

Deieso is charged with third degree assault.

The FDNY says he has been a firefighter for seven years and he works at Ladder 122 in Brooklyn

Deieso has been suspended without pay for up to 28 days.

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