Knife Fight Draws 2 Large Crowds in Mount Morris

MOUNT MORRIS – An apparent knife fight drew over two dozen people to Hopkins Street on two occasions Saturday night.

According to Mount Morris Police Chief Ken Mignemi, actual fighting was only among a few people who were residents of areas in Mount Morris other than Hopkins Street.

“The fight was between two people and others got involved,” said Mignemi. “There was screaming and yelling, but no injuries. Mount Morris Officer Sanders arrested two people and Mount Morris Officer Hinkson each arrested two people, one on a felony charge and the rest on misdemeanor or violation level charges.”

Investigating officers believe that the main dispute was between Luis Rios, 41, and a 17-year-old whose name the GeneseeSun.com is withholding because he may be treated in court as a youthful offender and have his record sealed. Based on statements from eyewitnesses, police allege that both pulled knives during the altercation but neither is believed to have injured anyone. Both were arrested and ordered held at the Livingston County Jail on $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond.

The two are alleged to have begun shouting at each other on Hopkins Street, drawing a response from multiple police agencies at 6:45 p.m. for the report of a ‘large fight in progress.’ Mount Morris Police Officers Sanders, Hinkson, Mark Brado and Ryan Regal assisted at the scene alongside multiple members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and New York State Park Police.

“People agreed to leave the street but then at 10:30 p.m. there was a call in that same area again reporting a large crowd,” said Mignemi. “We did make some arrests.”

Mignemi said that the incident is not the norm for the area but if there are increased problems, he would devote extra resources to troubled areas.

“When I started over 20 years ago, situations like this were common,” said Mignemi. “So I saturated Hopkins Street for awhile. We made some arrests and it stopped. But we will not be doing that unless this is something that starts happening every day.”