Arrest made in connection with deadly fight in Kittanning

KITTANNING, Pa. — Authorities have arrested a Kittanning man accused of being involved in a fight that resulted in one man's death early Sunday morning.

According to police, James Sullivan, of Chicora, was involved in an altercation with Dennis Rosenberger along Montieth Street about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

The police report said Rosenberger, 27, punched Sullivan, who then fell to the pavement and struck his head.

The Armstrong County coroner determined Sullivan, 39, died of trauma to his head and abdomen. An autopsy revealed a skull fracture on the back of his head.

Rosenberger was charged with aggravated and simple assault. He has not been charged with homicide in the case. He remains in the Armstrong County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Investigators said the incident may be related to several fights that broke out early Sunday morning near an Orr Avenue bar, and that the incident may have been witnessed by as many as 30 to 40 people.

Despite Monday's arrest, state and Kittanning police still are requesting that anyone with information about the incident contact police. District Attorney Scott Andreassi said a review of posts on social media sites shows numerous people have information about the fight and authorities are asking them to contact investigators directly.

“It's a tragic thing that happened. It's not an everyday occurrence, and we’re hoping that someone will step up and give us the information we need,” Kittanning police Chief Ed Cassesse said.

Anyone with information can contact state police at 724-543-2011.

Channel 11’s news exchange partners at TribLIVE contributed to this report.

WPXI