The intersection of Groton Avenue and Homer Avenue in the City of Cortland. (Photo via Google Maps).
The City of Cortland Police Department recently made two arrests in connection to a “large fight” that occurred at the intersection of Groton Avenue and Homer Avenue earlier this week, according to a report.
The report stated that city police arrested Camerion J. Boda, 22, and Trevon J. Melton, 18, for “fighting and beating” a 14-year old male teenager on Monday evening (Aug. 7). Boda and Melton have both been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Each was released and issued an appearance ticket for city court at a later date.
City Lt. Dan Edwards told The Cortland Voice on Wednesday he is uncertain how the fight that involved around eight male and female teenagers started. According to Edwards, the fight began on the sidewalks of the Homer Avenue/Groton Avenue intersection, then spilled into the streets.
“None of them are cooperating enough to tell us why,” Edwards said, noting the root of the fight is still under investigation.
City police’s initial report noted that a gun was recovered at the scene of the fight. Edwards said on Wednesday the gun, described as a short-barrel rifle, is illegal in New York state.
Whether any of the individuals involved in the fight intended to use the gun is part of the ongoing investigation, Edwards said.
Other names of the individuals were not provided in the reports. Edwards said all of the individuals are local residents, and no college students were involved.
The initial report mentioned that a rumor was going around about a gun displayed at Suggett Park in Cortland. The report continued by saying “the Cortland Police have no information to support this rumor at this time. We also have no information after numerous interviews that any gun was displayed at Suggett Park.”
City police mentioned in its report that if anyone has information, video or pictures of the fight are asked to contact detective sergeant Ryan Riley at 607-758-8308, or Edwards at 607-758-8307.
Further arrests in connection to the incident are to be determined, Edwards said.
