Champlain Man Charged With Felony Assault After Domestic Dispute

State Police say a late-night argument in Champlain turned physical, leaving an older victim injured.

A Champlain man charged following a domestic dispute is facing a felony assault count after New York State Police said an argument escalated into violence and injured a person who was at least 65 years old.

State Police announced Friday, Aug. 28, that David L. Gooley, 50, of Champlain, was charged with second-degree assault following an investigation into the Aug. 22 incident.

The charge is an allegation. Gooley is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

State Police Respond to Perry Mills Road

According to New York State Police, troopers were called to Perry Mills Road in the town of Champlain at approximately 10:46 p.m. on Aug. 22 for a reported physical domestic dispute.

Police said their investigation found that Gooley and the victim had first been involved in a verbal argument.

The disagreement then allegedly became physical.

State Police said Gooley struck the victim with a closed fist, hitting the victim near the left eye and behind the left ear and causing injuries.

The State Police release did not identify the victim or describe the exact relationship between the two people.

Victim Evaluated by Champlain EMS

Champlain EMS responded to the scene and evaluated the injured person, according to police.

The victim declined transportation to a hospital for additional treatment.

Authorities did not provide further information about the victim’s condition.

Gooley Charged With Second-Degree Assault

Gooley was arrested and taken to State Police headquarters in Plattsburgh for processing.

Police charged him with assault in the second degree involving injury to a person age 65 or older.

Under New York Penal Law Section 120.05, a person may be charged with second-degree assault when prosecutors allege that the defendant intended to cause physical injury to someone who is 65 or older, caused that injury and is more than 10 years younger than the victim. The offense is classified as a Class D felony.

The filing of a charge does not establish guilt. Prosecutors must still prove the case in court.

Court Sets Bail

State Police said Gooley was arraigned in Town of Plattsburgh Court.

He was then remanded to the Clinton County Jail under the following bail conditions:

• $5,000 cash bail
• $10,000 fully secured bond
• $50,000 partially secured bond

The State Police release did not provide information about Gooley’s attorney or his next scheduled court appearance.

What Does Second-Degree Assault Mean in New York?

Second-degree assault covers several different circumstances under New York law.

In this case, State Police specifically identified the allegation as involving injury to a person who was at least 65 years old.

New York law provides additional criminal penalties in some cases involving older victims. Under the provision relevant to this arrest, the law applies when the alleged victim is 65 or older and the accused is more than 10 years younger.

That distinction matters because conduct that might otherwise result in a lower-level assault charge can become a felony when certain statutory conditions are met.

Whether prosecutors can prove those conditions remains a question for the courts.

Domestic Disputes Can Become Dangerous Quickly

Although police described the incident as a domestic dispute, authorities did not release enough information to characterize the nature of the relationship between Gooley and the victim.

It is important not to assume facts that have not been publicly established.

Still, the case highlights how quickly arguments can escalate into physical violence.

New York’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence operates a statewide Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline offering confidential support, safety planning and referrals to shelters, legal services, housing and other resources.

People seeking help can:

• Call: 800-942-6906
• Text: 844-997-2121
• Chat: through the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence website

The service is available around the clock and can assist both victims and people concerned about someone they know.

Anyone facing an immediate threat should call 911.

Case Remains in the Court System

For now, the case against Gooley remains an allegation moving through the criminal justice system.

State Police have reported the arrest and charge, but a criminal charge is not the same as a conviction. Evidence may still be reviewed, motions may be filed and the case could proceed through additional court appearances before any final outcome.

The Utica Phoenix will continue to report significant developments if additional verified information becomes available.

Source

New York State Police, Troop B, Aug. 28, 2026.