Posted on: August 01, 2026 04:30 PM

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Avoca residents arrested following disturbance and assault investigation

The New York State Police arrested four adults and charged one juvenile following an investigation into a disturbance and physical altercation that occurred on June 16, 2026, in the village of Avoca.

On June 16, 2026, at approximately 8:36 p.m., New York State Police responded to the American Legion, located at 33 S. Main St. in the village of Avoca, for reports of multiple people fighting. Troopers arrived and worked to de-escalate the incident, during which several individuals failed to comply with lawful commands and continued to engage in aggressive behavior.

The investigation determined that multiple children were present during the incidents that occurred earlier that evening and during the disturbance at the American Legion. Investigators also determined that two victims sustained physical injuries during the altercation.

As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested on June 17, 2026:

Danielle M. Bacon, age 32, of Avoca, NY, was charged with:

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor)

Dylan A. Bacon, age 26, of Avoca, NY, was charges with:

Assault 3rd degree (A misdemeanor)

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor)

Stephan E. Leach, age 50, of Avoca, NY, was charged with:

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor)

Stephan E. Knowlton-Leach, age 33, of Avoca, NY,

Assault 3rd degree (A misdemeanor)

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A misdemeanor)

Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nddegree (A misdemeanor)

Knowlton-Leach fled from law enforcement officers attempting to execute the arrest warrant and was located after a search of the surrounding area. He surrendered without further incident.

Additionally, a 16-year-old juvenile was issued a Family Court Appearance Ticket charging Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree (A misdemeanor)

The adult defendants were processed and arraigned through the Steuben County Jail.

From NYSP