Introduction to the Incident
With six stitches across his cheek, Richard Catrone’s face was still bloodied and bandaged when he spoke to NBC New York. The 67-year-old is in pain, but thankful he was not more seriously hurt when his neighbor fired a flare gun in his face.
The Attack
The attack was captured on home security video. It shows Catrone walking his dog on a leash outside his apartment when 76-year-old Kathleen Schuman comes out of her apartment, a few doors down. Seconds later she fires the flare gun, hitting him in the face. The flare can be seen bouncing off his cheek as he holds his face in pain, shocked by what just happened.
Immediate Aftermath
"My next inclination was to get the gun and I knocked it out of her hand and she went to get it and I wanted to protect my dog. I wanted to protect myself," recalled Catrone. "Kathleen showed no emotion. She claimed I was the devil that I tried to murder her. She said ‘I’m sorry I missed, sorry I missed.’"
Police Response
Police arrested Schuman and charged her with assault. When NBC New York spoke to Catrone, his blood was still on the walkway in front of their apartments.
Background of the Feud
Neighbors of the two residents say the two have a longstanding feud, stemming from their pets. Schuman has a house cat and Catrone has a dog. "He started harassing her because he said her cat was always upsetting his dog and she would sit outside with it," explained neighbor Mary Neitzel. "She actually moved out to live with her sister for a few months. She just moved back a week ago and he just keeps bothering her."
Statements from Involved Parties
"I just asked her can you keep the cat inside and that started the situation," said Catrone. He says he has made complaints to the management company. A spokesman for Belmont Villas, the community they reside in, told NBC New York in a statement, “This was an isolated incident between individuals and unrelated to the community itself. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they handle the matter. The safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority.”
Court Proceedings
In court, Schuman pleaded not guilty. She has to stay away from Catrone as part of her release. The judge allowed her to return to the apartment one time with an officer to retrieve her belongings and her attorney told the judge she would live temporarily with a relative.
Reflection from the Victim
"I’ve lived in Manhattan. I’ve lived in San Francisco. I’ve lived in Boston and nothing ever happened to me," said Catrone. "I moved to Suffolk County a senior community, and my neighbor shoots me in the face with a flare."
Conclusion
The incident involving Richard Catrone and Kathleen Schuman highlights the sometimes volatile nature of neighborly disputes and the importance of community management in mediating such conflicts. It also underscores the need for swift and effective law enforcement intervention in cases of violence.
FAQs
- Q: What was the cause of the dispute between Richard Catrone and Kathleen Schuman?
A: The dispute stemmed from their pets, with Catrone having a dog and Schuman having a house cat. - Q: How did the incident unfold?
A: The incident was captured on home security video, showing Schuman firing a flare gun at Catrone as he walked his dog. - Q: What charges were brought against Kathleen Schuman?
A: Schuman was charged with assault. - Q: What was the outcome of Schuman’s court appearance?
A: Schuman pleaded not guilty and was ordered to stay away from Catrone as part of her release conditions.
