Arrests made after violent physical altercation breaks out in the town of Altona

New York – An argument between two Altona residents quickly escalated into violence on the evening of July 18, 2025, leading to arrests and criminal charges, according to the New York State Police.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:29 p.m. on Alder Bend Road in the town of Altona, prompting a response from State Troopers following reports of a physical altercation taking place at the location.

According to investigators, the confrontation began when Katoe L. Nephew, age 39, of Altona, and Brian D. Guerin, age 44, also of Altona, arrived at the residence to retrieve personal belongings belonging to Nephew. What started as a verbal argument soon turned violent.

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Police say that during the dispute, Nephew grabbed a baseball bat and struck the victim multiple times. Witnesses at the scene intervened in an attempt to stop the attack. However, the situation escalated further when Nephew allegedly picked up a pitchfork and began making threatening remarks toward the victim. Those present managed to take the pitchfork away before any additional harm was done.

Following the confrontation, both Nephew and Guerin fled into the nearby woods before law enforcement arrived. Despite their efforts to evade arrest, authorities were able to locate both individuals soon after.

During the course of their investigation, Troopers discovered that Nephew and Guerin were subject to a full stay-away order of protection against one another, meaning that by law, they should not have been in each other’s company at all during this incident.

As a result of the altercation and the discovery of the violated order of protection, Brian D. Guerin was arrested for Criminal Contempt in the 2nd degree. He was processed by the State Police and released on an appearance ticket. Guerin is scheduled to appear in Town of Altona Court at a later date to answer the charge.

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Katoe L. Nephew faced more serious accusations and was arrested for Assault in the 2nd degree and two counts of Menacing in the 2nd degree. After being processed at SP Champlain, she was arraigned in Town of Mooers Court. The judge released her on her own recognizance pending further court proceedings.

Authorities have not released details about the condition of the victim following the assault, nor have they disclosed the victim’s identity at this time.

The New York State Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and further charges are not being ruled out as the case proceeds.

This troubling incident highlights the dangers of domestic disputes escalating into violence and the serious consequences that can follow when court orders are ignored.