A heated confrontation at a Long Island retirement community turned violent when a 76-year-old resident allegedly shot her neighbor in the face with a flare gun.
According to People, Kathleen Schuman faces second-degree assault charges after allegedly firing a flare gun at her 67-year-old neighbor, Richard Catrone, during an argument at the Belmont Villas Senior Apartments in West Babylon, New York. The incident, which occurred on Monday, September 8, left Catrone requiring six stitches to his face.
The altercation stemmed from an ongoing dispute between the two residents regarding their pets, with Catrone claiming he simply asked Schuman to keep her cat inside. Ring camera footage captured the shocking moment when Schuman allegedly fired the flare gun at close range, followed by Catrone's immediate retaliation.
Long-Standing Feud Erupts Into Violence
Neighbor Mary Neitzel revealed that tensions had been brewing between the two residents for some time. The situation had become so unbearable that Schuman had previously relocated to live with her sister for several months.
During the confrontation, Catrone claims Schuman showed no remorse and actually expressed disappointment at missing her target. According to Catrone's account, Schuman accused him of being "the devil" and attempting to murder her.
The security footage shows Catrone responding to the attack by grabbing Schuman's hair and striking her head, while his dog's leash slipped from his grasp. Both residents required medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries following the incident.
Property Management Response and Legal Proceedings
Conifer LLC, the management company overseeing Belmont Villas Senior Apartments, issued a statement emphasizing that this was an isolated incident. The company assured residents that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement while maintaining their commitment to resident safety.
Schuman entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment on Tuesday, September 9, at Suffolk County First District Court. The judge set bail at $5,000 and issued an order requiring Schuman to stay away from Catrone.
Prior to the incident, Catrone had reportedly filed complaints with Conifer LLC regarding the ongoing disputes. The management company maintains that the altercation was unrelated to the community itself.
History of Pet-Related Tensions
The conflict primarily centered around Schuman's cat allegedly disturbing Catrone's dog. Neighbor accounts suggest that Catrone's repeated complaints about the cat contributed to the escalating situation.
According to witness statements, Schuman's temporary relocation to her sister's residence was directly related to the ongoing harassment she allegedly experienced. The incident occurred shortly after her return to the retirement community.
The Suffolk County Police Department confirmed the details of the confrontation, though they have not released additional information about the investigation. The case highlights the potential dangers of unresolved neighbor disputes in retirement communities.
