North Salem Brothers Charged in Assault on Brewster Teens

Two North Salem teens are facing felony charges for their alleged involvement in a brawl that left one Brewster teen hospitalized with critical injuries.

Jonathan P. Owoo, 19, and Michael X. Owoo, 17, both of Westview Cross Road, were sent to the Putnam County Correctional Facility on $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond bail following the ,  Donald B. Smith said Thursday afternoon. 

Two teens were hurt during the brawl, which involved more than 50 youths and occurred in the woods next to a Southeast parking lot on Route 22. Members of the  Ambulance transported the first, a 17-year-old boy, to . He was reportedly admitted in critical condition, but has since been released.

"[He] suffered a fractured skull, cerebral hemorrhage and hearing loss as a result of being repeatedly struck in the head by a metal baseball bat and a socket wrench," authorities said.

The second, an 18-year-old boy, was released from the same hospital after being treated for contusions and "substantial pain," according to police. Neither of the victims were named in the release.

Police charged the elder of the brothers with first-degree assault and second-degree assault, both felonies, as well as two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

"It is alleged that he possessed the metal baseball bat and used it as a weapon by repeatedly striking the 17 year-old victim in the head, causing serious physical injuries," officials said in a statement. "He also allegedly struck the 18 year-old victim on the arm with the baseball bat, causing physical injury."

Michael X. Owoo is facing first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

"He is being accused of possessing a socket wrench and using it as a weapon by striking the 17 year-old victim in the head, causing serious physical injuries," officials said.

An investigation by Sheriff's officials led to the pair's arrest, which occurred at their home. New York State Police assisted in taking the brothers into custody. Authorities worked with the Putnam County Distirct Attorney's Office before they were charged.

Chief Investigator A. Gerald Schramek told Patch that the cause of the altercation has not yet been determined.

Following the arrest, the teens were arraigned before Village of Brewster Justice Richard O'Rourke, on behalf of Southeast Justice Court. Police say Southeast Justice Gregory Folchetti issued an order of protection prohibiting the defendants from contacting the victims.

The brothers are due in court July 19.