It is understandable, perhaps even expected, that people who are forced to live in close quarters with one another will experience some degree of conflict. That conflict, however, rarely turns violent. Unfortunately, an altercation between two roommates in New York resulted in the arrest of one on assault charges.
The incident reportedly happened during the early morning hours in a day in October. Reports indicate that the alleged victim, a 23-year-old man, returned home to the apartment he shared with others and complained about the defendant’s music. The defendant, a college student, reportedly left the apartment and went to a nearby home, described as an unsanctioned frat house, to watch football.
Reports indicate that the younger man then sent texts to the other, teasing him. The alleged victim then arrived and confronted him, and the two reportedly became embroiled in a physical altercation. The victim claims that he was holding the defendant’s head down when he felt a sharp pain in his stomach, and police believe that the other man stabbed the victim, puncturing his small intestines. The injured man underwent surgery but is expected to survive. The defendant reportedly turned himself into police soon after.
Unfortunately, when people in New York and elsewhere are involved in a fight, they may feel that their life is in danger, prompting them to take action to protect themselves. The young college student now facing assault charges will likely want to take steps to ensure that he fully understands his options. To do this, he should seek guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney who can carefully examine the details of the case and help create an appropriate response.
