WILLIAMSBURG — A 32-year-old man left brain dead after getting assaulted outside a Williamsburg bar was known among police as a "local tough," sources said.
Michael Sapp was kicked out of Williamsburg dive bar The Charleston, at 174 Bedford Ave., on Saturday night and early Sunday morning before returning and having a fight with a bouncer, law enforcement sources said.
Police then received a 911 call around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 14 to Bedford Avenue and North Seventh Street about a man who was unconscious and unresponsive after an assault, according to a police spokesman.
Officials said Sapp was in The Charleston at some point in the night, but it was unclear for how long or why he was kicked out.
He was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he remains in grave condition, police said.
Sapp was known to local police as a troublemaker, law enforcement sources said.
He had nine previous arrests, including for assault, marijuana and driving under the influence.
An employee who answered the phone at The Charleston declined to comment on the incident, saying that a homicide detective requested that they keep quiet during the investigation.
Williamsburg was particularly busy over the weekend as the neighborhood played host to the Northside Festival, a gathering with live music, movies and talks.
The Charleston was supposed to host an event with Jameson Whiskey on Sunday, but festival organizers tweeted Sunday that it got moved to The Gibson.
Police have not arrested a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
