Robbin Brill
/ Cortland Police
CORTLAND -- A 50-year-old Cortland man faces assault charges in connection with the severe beating of another man he found in his apartment.
Cortland City Police were called to 31 Central Avebue about 6:30 Thanksgiving night for a report of an altercation. There they found a 28-year-old man unconscious and bleeding in his apartment. His name has not been released.
The officers' investigation led them to another apartment in the building where the tenant, Robbin J. Brill, reported that when he returned from hunting he found the man in his apartment attempting to steal money. Police say Brill confronted the man about that and a previous burglary, and then attacked him, using his fists, feet, and a brick. After what police described as a prolonged attack, the man was allowed to leave. He then called 911.
Police say the man was taken to University Hospital in critical condition, but was released this morning. Brill is facing charges of Assault in the 2nd Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree.
Police say Brill was charged because their investigation led them to believe he responded to the intruder in his home with far more force than was needed to defend himself.
