Man files claim in Fonda assault

FONDA - A Sprakers man who said he was assaulted at a fundraiser for the Fultonville Fire Department in June has filed a notice of claim against three municipalities, the Fire Department and the Fonda Fairgrounds owners, alleging carelessness and negligence by the five parties.

Timothy Tambasco said in June he was waiting for a ride from the June 19 fundraiser at the fairgrounds when he was beaten. He said he suffered a broken nose and orbital bone and received stitches over his eye.

The notice of claim - a precursor to a lawsuit - filed Sept. 15, says the fundraiser was not properly supervised and said event organizers provided "excessive alcohol" to those in attendance. The notice also alleges one or more of the defendants assaulted Tambasco, and seeks money to compensate for Tambasco's medical expenses and pain and suffering.

The notice names Gloversville, Fultonville and Montgomery County as defendants. In June, Tambasco said witnesses told him he was assaulted by off-duty law enforcement officers.

Both Montgomery County Undersheriff Jeffery T. Smith and Gloversville Police Capt. James Lorenzoni said employees of their departments were not involved in the assault, though Lorenzoni said an off-duty Gloversville police officer was at the fundraiser and assisted at the scene.

Lorenzoni said that police officer has since accepted a new position with the Johnstown Police Department, though he said the transfer was not connected to the assault.

Montgomery County sheriff's deputies arrested Jared R. Allen, 28, of 197 Oaksford Road, Johnstown, on June 28 in connection with the incident and charged him with third-degree assault. He was released on an appearance ticket at the time.

Tambasco's lawyer, Daniel Stewart of the Queensbury law firm Brennan & White, could not be reached for comment.

Zach Subar can be reached at ruralnews@leaderherald.com