By CARL E. FEATHER - Staff Writer - cfeather@starbeacon.com
The Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s office is reviewing for possible charges an alleged assault involving hunters and property owners in Kingsville Township Sunday afternoon.
James LaCava, a Mill Street resident, alleges another Kingsville man became provoked after LaCava and his friend, Missy Cone, yelled at them for shooting near their house and hunting without the permission of the land owners.
LaCava said in an interview Monday that suspect attacked him and hit him in the face several times, producing injuries that required medical treatment.
The hunters emerged from the woods chasing a buck. LaCava said he heard three shots fired. The animal was running toward him, Cone and their dogs, when it broke out of the woods. One of the dogs began chasing the deer.
“All three of (the hunters) had their guns loaded and ready to shoot right toward Missy and I,” said LaCava.
The couple yelled at the hunters and LaCava said he drove over to their pickup to get its license plate number and ask them who had given them permission to hunt there.
LaCava said one hunter punched him about four times in the face. Three other hunters didn’t stop the fracas.
After making his report to the sheriff’s deputy, LaCava went to the Ashtabula County Medical Center emergency room, where his face was X-rayed. He said a cheek bone was fractured and is bleeding into his sinus. He was seeking an appointment with a specialist.
“It was not a pleasant day,” LaCava said.
The report showed that suspect did not have a hunting license and that issue would be referred to the game warden, Jason Hadsell, who could not be reached for comment.
Sheriff department Detective Bureau Lt. Van Robison said the alleged assault has been referred to the prosecutor for review.
