Additional Coverage:
- Elderly woman ‘shoots’ neighbor in face with flare gun at Long Island senior living complex (irishstar.com)
Flare-Up at Retirement Community Leads to Assault Charge
A seemingly quiet Tuesday evening at the Belmont Vistas Senior Apartments in Long Island, New York, took a dramatic turn when a resident allegedly shot her neighbor in the face with a flare gun. Police say Kathleen Schuman, 76, attacked 67-year-old Richard Catrone in the incident, which was captured on home security video.
The footage reportedly shows Catrone walking his dog when Schuman exits her apartment and fires the flare gun. The flare appears to ricochet off Catrone’s face before he tackles her to the ground. Catrone told reporters he then disarmed Schuman, who he claims expressed remorse, saying, “I’m sorry I missed, sorry I missed.”
Catrone was hospitalized but is expected to recover fully. Schuman was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
According to neighbors, the two residents have a history of disputes related to their pets. Schuman owns a cat, while Catrone has a dog.
Neighbor Mary Neitzel suggested the conflict stemmed from Catrone’s belief that Schuman’s cat was antagonizing his dog. Catrone confirmed he had previously complained to the apartment management company about the issue.
He stated he had simply asked Schuman to keep her cat indoors.
Schuman pleaded not guilty to assault charges and has been ordered to stay away from Catrone. She was permitted to return to her apartment under police supervision to gather her belongings before relocating to a relative’s home. The management company, Conifer LLC., released a statement acknowledging the incident and emphasizing their commitment to resident safety.