Old Town man charged with aggravated assault after Halloween weekend dispute

A 32-year-old Old Town man has been charged with felony aggravated assault following an incident that occurred on Halloween weekend. Tyron Fox is accused of physically attacking a 15-year-old boy while the teenager was walking with two friends in the city.

The confrontation began around 10:40 p.m. Friday when the group of three, aged 15, 16, and 20, was walking along Stillwater Avenue toward the Old Town Plaza. The teenagers told police they were loud and using profanity. Fox and his girlfriend were driving by and stopped because they believed the group was targeting them, according to a police report filed in Penobscot County Superior Court.

Fox exited his vehicle and approached the group. The 20-year-old friend attempted to explain that the group was not directing their noise at the car. Fox then grabbed the 15-year-old around the neck with one hand. The report states he applied immense pressure, causing the boy to worry he would lose consciousness. While holding the teenager's neck, Fox slammed him to the ground multiple times. He also punched the boy on the right side of the face.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed fresh marks on the side of the teenager's neck. These included visible impressions from several fingers and a bleeding scratch. The officer noted that the group had no complaints about the vehicle or its occupants, describing the attack as sporadic and unreasonable.

Fox fled the scene with his girlfriend, but the teenagers had photographed the license plate. Police went to the girlfriend's home, where they interviewed both individuals. Fox claimed he confronted the group but did not use physical force. His girlfriend stated she could not see the incident clearly and argued that because Fox was yelling, he could not be fighting.

Fox appeared in court Monday for his initial hearing. He is currently held without bail at the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor. His detention is related to a separate pending case in which he is accused of operating a vehicle after his license was revoked. Fox faces one count of felony aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count for violating conditions of release. His attorney did not respond to a request for comment.