Long Island, NY – Richard Catrone, a 67-year-old resident of a Suffolk County senior community, was struck in the face by a flare gun fired by his neighbor and required medical attention after the incident. The attack, captured on home security video, has left Catrone with six stitches and prompted criminal charges.
The alleged shooter, 76-year-old Kathleen Schuman, was arrested and charged with assault. She pleaded not guilty in court and was released with conditions to stay away from Catrone; the judge allowed a one-time, escorted return to her apartment to collect belongings.
The Attack Captured on Video
Home security footage shows Catrone walking his dog outside their building at Belmont Villas when Schuman emerges from a nearby doorway and fires a flare gun at close range. The projectile can be seen striking Catrone’s cheek and bouncing off as he clutches his face in pain. Blood remained on the walkway when reporters later spoke with him.
“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,” said Richard Catrone, describing the chaotic moments after the shot.
Neighbors Describe an Ongoing Feud Over Pets
Residents told reporters the confrontation grew out of a long-running dispute over animals. Neighbors say the two had clashed repeatedly about Schuman’s cat and Catrone’s dog, with complaints to management and a temporary move by Schuman earlier this year.
- Root cause: Ongoing disputes about pets that neighbors say escalated over time.
- History: Schuman reportedly moved away for a few months, recently returned, and tensions resurfaced.
- Complaints filed: Catrone says he complained to the property management about the cat disturbing his dog.
Legal Proceedings and Conditions of Release
Police arrested Schuman and charged her with assault. In court she entered a plea of not guilty. As part of her release, the judge ordered her to stay away from Catrone and permitted a single, supervised trip to the apartment to retrieve personal items. Her attorney informed the court she would temporarily live with a relative.
- Charge: Assault.
- Court plea: Not guilty.
- Release terms: Stay-away order and escorted return to the apartment.
Community Response and Management Statement
Belmont Villas management described the shooting as an isolated incident and said it is cooperating with law enforcement. The community spokesman emphasized resident safety as a priority.
“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,” the Belmont Villas spokesman told reporters.
Neighbors expressed shock that violence occurred in the senior community. One neighbor, Mary Neitzel, recounted years of friction and said the dispute began when Catrone asked Schuman to keep her cat indoors.
Implications for Resident Safety and Next Steps
The episode raises questions about resident safety, conflict resolution in senior housing, and how property management monitors disputes before they escalate. Authorities are continuing their investigation and the criminal case will proceed through the courts.
- Evidence: Home security video showing the incident.
- Injury: Catrone sustained facial wounds requiring six stitches.
- Investigation: Police and prosecutors will determine next legal steps; management cooperating with law enforcement.
This incident was reported by NBC New York, which first published the security footage and victim interviews.
What Happens Next?
Schuman’s criminal case will move through the Suffolk County court system. Observers say the case could prompt senior communities to review dispute resolution policies and safety protocols to prevent similar escalations.
Key facts at a glance:
- Victim: Richard Catrone, 67.
- Accused: Kathleen Schuman, 76.
- Injury: Facial wound, six stitches.
- Charge: Assault.
- Location: Belmont Villas, Suffolk County senior community.
Tell us: What do you think should change in senior housing to prevent disputes from turning violent? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
