Two Men Arrested In Il Giardino Restaurant Kitchen Assault

A father and son are facing aggravated assault charges in connection with an attack on an employee in the Il Giardino restaurant recently, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

Officer Dimitri Tsarnas and other officers responded to a call of two men assaulting an employee in the restaurant's kitchen at 9:47 p.m. on Aug. 1, the chief said.

"The victim identified one of his attackers as being the husband of Aileen Racanelli, a waitress at the restaurant," Paprota said.

The assault took place inside the kitchen area of the restaurant. The victim was punched, knocked to the ground and kicked. The suspects then fled the scene, the chief said.

Michael J. Racinelli, 52, and Anthony M. Racanelli, 21, both of Cedar Run, were arrested after the incident and each charged with aggravated assault and defiant trespass. Their bails were set at $25,000 each. Aileen Racinelli was charged with hindering apprehension, Paprota said.

The victim - who lives in Barnegat - was taken to Southern Ocean Medical Center by Lacey Township EMS. He was treated for his injuries, which included pain in his neck and back and blurred vision, the chief said.

The two men posted bail at Lacey Township Police headquarters and are awaiting a court appearance, Paprota said.