Geddes, NY – One car passing another escalated into a fight and then a stabbing at a gas station Thursday afternoon, police said. Onondaga County sheriff’s deputies were called to a disturbance outside the Byrne Dairy on State Fair Boulevard in Geddes around 1:45 p.m. Here’s what investigators said happened: Joseph Magee, 19, of 212 Slawson Dr., Camillus, was a...
Geddes, NY – One car passing another escalated into a fight and then a stabbing at a gas station Thursday afternoon, police said.
Onondaga County sheriff’s deputies were called to a disturbance outside the Byrne Dairy on State Fair Boulevard in Geddes around 1:45 p.m.
Here’s what investigators said happened: Joseph Magee, 19, of 212 Slawson Dr., Camillus, was a passenger in a 1999 Chevrolet Metro driven by Jared Kowalski, 20, of 6559 Van Buren Road, Camillus. While driving on Armstrong Road, Kowalski passed, “at a high rate of speed,” a car driven by Dan Meyer, 51, of 302 Vanida Dr., Camillus. Joseph Watkins, 39, of 500 Montrose Ave., Syracuse, was a passenger in Meyer’s car.
As they neared the Byrne Dairy, Meyer and Watkins noticed Kowalski pumping gas into his car. They pulled into the gas station.
Meyer spoke with Kowalski and Watkins dialed 911 to make a reckless driving report.
When he finished fueling his car, Kowalski drove off, striking Watkins with the passenger-side mirror, which broke off.
“Words were exchanged,” police said, “and Watkins picked up the mirror and threw it in Kowalski’s car as he pulled out of the parking lot.”
When Kowalski pulled out of the station, Magee got out of the Metro and ran toward Meyer and Watkins. Magee yelled threats and took a swing at Watkins. Watkins avoided being struck and grabbed Magee, who then pulled out a pocket knife and struck Watkins in the neck.
Meyer and a bystander grabbed Magee and took the knife.
Watkins was taken to Upstate University Hospital where police expected he would be treated and released.
Magee was held for arraignment on charges of assault in the second degree and fourth-degree possession of a weapon.
Contact Charles McChesney at cmcchesney@syracuse.com.