On Wednesday, the New York State Police arrested four adults and charged one juvenile following an investigation into a physical altercation in the Village of Avoca.
Troopers initially responded around 8:36 p.m. on June 16, to the American Legion on South Main Street for reports of a large fight. Responding officers worked to de-escalate the incident while several individuals allegedly refused to comply with commands and continued acting aggressively.
State Police determined that multiple children were present during the disturbance and that two victims suffered physical injuries.
As a result of the investigation, troopers arrested four adults on June 17:
* Danielle Bacon, 32, of Avoca, charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
* Dylan Bacon, 26, of Avoca, charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
* Stephan Leach, 50, of Avoca, charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
* Stephan Knowlton-Leach, 33, of Avoca, charged with third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.
Authorities noted that Knowlton-Leach fled from officers trying to execute an arrest warrant but surrendered after troopers located him during a search of the area.
A 16-year-old juvenile was also issued a Family Court appearance ticket charging second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.
The adult defendants were processed and arraigned at the Steuben County Jail.
The New York State Police were assisted in the investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office.
