Large fight at Sikh temple in Greenwood leaves multiple people injured

The Johnson County Prosecutors office has filed charges against 27 additional individuals suspected of being involved in the April 15 brawl at Greenwood’s Sikh Temple.



The new charges are in addition to the 18 people charged in early July, bringing the total now to 45 individuals facing charges stemming from the brawl.



Cooper said religious leaders helped authorities identify the people who were the main aggressors during the April 14 fight at the Gurdwara Sikh Temple, 1050 S. Graham Road. The melee was sparked by a disagreement over leadership elections.



Cooper's office on Monday filed misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges against 17 people. A charge is pending against an 18th suspect, Cooper said. Disorderly conduct carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.



Two suspects face an additional charge of battery causing bodily injury, Cooper said. A battery charge carries up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.



The investigation into the fight stalled days after the brawl occurred because witnesses were not cooperating, Cooper said in April. He said some witnesses questioned the authority of the police.



But apparently those obstacles have since been resolved.