MASSENA - A Massena teenager was charged with assault after he allegedly punched his father in the face several times during a dispute Saturday night.

Village police charged Stephen M. Kocienski, 18, of 193 Center St., Apt. 2, Massena, with third-degree assault. He is charged with punching his father, Joseph Curtis, 41, over his left eye approximately three times when his father intervened in an argument his son was having with the next door neighbor.

Mr. Curtis was transported to Massena Memorial Hospital by Massena Rescue for treatment of a cut above his left eye and complaints of pain to his neck, back and shins.

Kocienski told police their neighbor, a woman he identified as Half Pint, had entered the apartment and accused him of kicking and breaking her dog’s ribs. Mr. Curtis was reportedly in his bedroom and came out into the living room area when he heard the verbal altercation. He reportedly pushed his son away from Tonya Matthie, and his son reportedly responded by punching him above the eye. Mr. Curtis reportedly stumbled against a counter and then fell to the floor.

Kocienski was arraigned by Massena Village Justice Eric J. Gustafson and released to reappear Aug. 21 in village court. The court signed a temporary order of protection directing Kocienski to stay away from his father.

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