A 76-year-old woman in Long Island is facing legal trouble after allegedly shooting her neighbor with a flare gun during a heated argument in their retirement community. The incident, which occurred on September 8, 2025, in West Babylon, New York, has raised concerns among the residents of the community.
What Happened
Kathleen Schuman, who is 76, has been charged with assault with a weapon following the altercation with her 67-year-old neighbor. Police reports state that the dispute began due to ongoing issues between the two neighbors concerning their pets. Schuman allegedly fired a flare gun at the man while he was walking his dog, causing significant injury to his face, which required six stitches. Both Schuman and her neighbor were taken to the hospital, but fortunately, neither injury was life-threatening.
The altercation escalated when the man, in response to being shot, chased Schuman, grabbed her hair, and struck her in the head. The man later claimed that he was defending himself and his dog.
Reactions
The incident has shocked the retirement community, with neighbors describing the escalating tension between the two. One resident claimed that the man had repeatedly bothered Schuman, especially because he disliked her cat. According to neighbors, Schuman had even moved away for a few months due to the harassment but returned to find the same issues continuing.
The company managing the retirement community expressed concern over the situation, assuring that they were cooperating with the police and prioritizing the safety of their residents.
What’s Next
Schuman has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her next court appearance is set for September 12, 2025. In the meantime, a judge has issued a stay-away order, instructing Schuman to avoid contact with her neighbor. Her bail has been set at $5,000.
Closing Line
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available. The situation continues to raise questions about the safety and well-being of residents in retirement communities.
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