Large fight ends in arrests and hospital visits

SCHENECTADY — A large fight that involved metal rods, a screwdriver and a biting dog landed three people in the hospital and four people in handcuffs Wednesday, according to police.

Police were called to the area in front of a Stewart’s convenience store on Chrisler Avenue at around 8 p.m.

Schenectady police spokesman Sgt. Matt Dearing said he was unsure what sparked the fight. But according to court records, 46-year-old Cynthia Hawkins is facing charges that accuse her of using her dog to bite 20-year-old Shayugsianna Morris.

Dearing said he was not sure what breed the dog was or what was done with the animal after it was brought under control.

In the same fight, Hatie Najafipour, 18, attacked 19-year-old Iszyarish Domena with a screwdriver, causing a laceration to Domena’s right eye, according to court records.

Also during the fight, court records indicate Santana Marie Rowny, 24, and Sarah Delmater, 19, attacked 25-year-old Jasmyne Sheffer with metal rods, swinging them at her and causing her to have “fear of imminent physical injury.”

Dearing said all three victims were taken to Ellis Hospital where they were treated minor injuries and released.

All four women — Hawkins, Najafipour, Rowny and Delmater — were arrested and arraigned in Schenectady City Court on various charges on Thursday, according to court documents.

Hawkins, who is represented by the Schenectady County Public Defender’s Office, was charged with felony second-degree assault. She was sent to Schenectady County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond, and is due back in court on July 24.

Rowny was charged with misdemeanor second-degree menacing. She posted bail of $490 and is slated to return to court on Aug. 2.

Delmater was charged with misdemeanor third-degree menacing. She posted bail of $250 and is due back in court on Aug. 2.

Najafipour was charged with felony second-degree assault for her alleged role in the fight.

According to court records, after her arrest Wednesday, she was also charged in relation to an incident in July 2017 in which Najafipour, along with three other people, attacked a 15-year-old girl by kicking her and breaking her glasses, according to court records.

Police charged her with felony third-degree criminal mischief for causing more than $250 worth of damages to another person’s property, as the girl’s glasses were valued at $459, according to court documents.

Najafipour was also charged with two misdemeanors, including third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

She was sent to jail on $7,500 cash bail or $15,000 bond for the assault charges, and $1,000 bail or $3,000 bond for the criminal mischief charge.

Najafipour is due back in court on July 24.

Dearing said the fight was still under investigation.

Categories: News, Schenectady County