Bail increased for fan accused in beating

A judge on Wednesday increased bail for the Flyers fan accused of beating a Rangers fan following the NHL Winter Classic.

Dennis Veteri, 32, was charged last week with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, conspiracy aggravated assault and reckless endangerment in connection with the beating of off-duty cop Neal Auricchio Jr.

Veteri's bail initially was set at $100,000, but was increased to $400,000 Wednesday upon request by the Philadelphia district attorney, WTXF-TV reported.

Veteri, of Glassboro, N.J., surrendered to police last Thursday after an arrest warrant was issued in his name.

Auricchio Jr., 30, was hospitalized with a concussion following the assault and required stitches in his cheek and head. Police were still searching for two other men in connection with the Jan. 2 incident, which occurred outside Geno's Steaks, a famous south Philadelphia cheesesteak shop.

Veteri stands accused of throwing the first punch in the beating, which was filmed on a cell phone by a bystander.

Auricchio, a former US Marine who earned a Purple Heart in Iraq, will attend New York's Feb. 27 game against the Devils at Madison Square Garden as the guest of Rangers head coach John Tortorella.

Veteri is scheduled to appear in court for his preliminary hearing on Jan. 31.