A heated dispute between neighbors in a quiet gated 55+ community on Long Island turned violent when a 76-year-old resident allegedly discharged a flare gun during an argument, striking her 67-year-old neighbor in the face.
The victim was walking his dog outside their homes at the Belmont Vistas complex when the flare gun was fired and ricocheted off his cheek. Authorities say he was rushed to the hospital with facial injuries and is expected to make a full recovery. The elderly woman was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Local police arrested her on assault charges. During court proceedings, she entered a not-guilty plea. The judge issued a protective order, requiring her to keep distance from the victim. Officials have not revealed what sparked the altercation or how the flare gun came into her possession.
The retirement community’s management company called the incident isolated and reassured residents that their safety remains a top priority.