Three people have been charged following what police described as a violent assault inside a Bath motel that left a 39-year-old man seriously injured and prompted a large law enforcement response Wednesday evening.
Police in Bath said officers were dispatched around 5:01 p.m. May 20 to the Super 8 Motel on West Morris Street for a report of an intoxicated and unconscious man who may have fallen and struck his head.
When officers arrived, they found Anthony M. Burlew, 39, inside the hotel in what authorities described as an incapacitated condition. Bath Ambulance personnel determined Burlew had severe injuries requiring immediate medical treatment before he was stabilized and airlifted to a trauma hospital.
Investigators later determined there was evidence of a violent assault, triggering a larger police response and an investigation involving multiple suspects.
Police said William J. Hargrave, 61, a resident of the motel, was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Search warrants executed on multiple motel rooms later led investigators to Adam G. El-Gaaly, 34, who police described as homeless and originally from Rochester, but staying at the motel as a guest of Hargrave. Authorities said El-Gaaly was also taken into custody without incident.
A third suspect, Cheyne N. Bonnewell, 25, another resident of the motel, was later located walking on West Morris Street by a Steuben County sheriff’s deputy and taken into custody by Bath police.
According to investigators, Hargrave, El-Gaaly and Bonnewell each participated in and aided one another in the assault on Burlew.
All three were charged with first-degree gang assault, a Class B felony. Hargrave was additionally charged with first-degree robbery after police said he was found in possession of Burlew’s personal property at the time of his arrest.
Following arraignment Thursday, Hargrave was remanded to the Steuben County Jail without bail. El-Gaaly and Bonnewell were each held on $150,000 cash bail.
Police said Hargrave is a seven-time convicted felon in New York State, while El-Gaaly and Bonnewell reportedly have no prior criminal history in New York.
Authorities described the incident as isolated, saying the suspects and victim were acquainted and there was no ongoing threat to the public.
As of Thursday, Burlew remained hospitalized in guarded but stable condition at an undisclosed trauma center.
The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible, according to police.
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