WEST PENN TOWNSHIP — A Lancaster man faces three misdemeanor charges after police allege he grabbed a 16-year-old boy by the neck during a confrontation at West Penn Park in July.
James N. Bauzon, 61, has been charged by West Penn Township Police with simple assault, criminal mischief involving property damage and disorderly conduct involving fighting.
Police Respond to Reported Fight at West Penn Park
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by West Penn Township Police Lt. John Kaczmarczyk, officers responded to the park at approximately 5:10 p.m. on , for a reported fight involving as many as 10 people.
Police had received multiple calls concerning the disturbance.
Kaczmarczyk reported finding people near the park bathrooms, including one injured person. Another officer went to a different section of the park after receiving information that a group near the westernmost pavilion was performing burnouts on the roadway with pickup trucks.
Police said the teenager’s father told officers he had confronted Bauzon about trucks performing burnouts and being driven recklessly. According to the affidavit, the father said his son then approached with slight red marks on his neck.
Police Describe Different Accounts of the Confrontation
The teenager told police that Bauzon approached his truck as he was getting out, grabbed him by the neck and slammed him into the side of the vehicle.
The boy alleged that Bauzon then forced him back into the truck and against the vehicle again. According to the affidavit, the teenager said Bauzon had his hands around his neck and was choking him.
Bauzon provided police with a different account. According to the affidavit, he said people from another pavilion were performing burnouts and driving recklessly on the road next to the park while adults and children were present.
Bauzon told police that he confronted the driver of a pickup truck, the driver opened the door on him and a tussle followed. He also questioned why police had not been contacted about the driving, according to the affidavit.
West Penn Park Closed Following Disturbance
Police reported that people from both pavilions became involved in the fight. The park was closed at the direction of officers because of the disturbance.
Kaczmarczyk also reported observing multiple burnout marks on the roadway adjacent to the park.
Both sides were provided with statement forms, but Kaczmarczyk said he received completed statements only from the teenager’s family.
The boy’s father also provided police with a truck damage estimate totaling $3,348.77, according to the affidavit.
Charges and Preliminary Hearing
The charges against Bauzon were filed on , before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.
Court records list the following misdemeanor charges:
- Simple assault
- Criminal mischief involving property damage
- Disorderly conduct involving fighting
Court records show that a summons was issued October 6. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for , before Kosciolek.
All charges are allegations. Bauzon is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.