Caton Man Arrested After Domestic Incident Involving Threats and Children

On June 22, 2025, at approximately 1:45 a.m., New York State Police responded to a domestic incident at a residence on Fish Pond Road in the town of Caton, Steuben County. According to law enforcement sources, 57-year-old Michael J. Grzelak was involved in a dispute during which he damaged property inside the residence and issued verbal threats. The incident unfolded in the presence of children, prompting swift action by police. The victim and the children exited the property and met with local patrols, ensuring their immediate safety.

Incident Overview and Legal Ramifications

Following a thorough investigation at the scene, authorities arrested Grzelak and charged him with several offenses:

• Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (E Felony): This charge is leveled for allegedly violating an Order of Protection by engaging in physical contact or threatening behavior against a protected individual.
• Aggravated Family Offense (E Felony): This offense applies when an individual commits multiple family-related crimes within a five-year period, indicative of a pattern of abusive behavior.
• Menacing in the Third Degree (B Misdemeanor): This charge involves intentionally placing another person in fear of imminent physical harm through threatening actions.
• Two Counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor): These charges relate to actions that potentially jeopardize the physical, mental, or moral well-being of a child.
• Two Counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (A Misdemeanor): These charges are incurred for disobeying a court order, such as failing to adhere to provisions laid out in an Order of Protection.

Grzelak was transported to Steuben County Jail pending his Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) proceedings, a system designed to ensure that individuals arrested outside of regular court hours are arraigned promptly.

Contextual Background

Caton, Steuben County, New York

Caton is a small, rural town in Steuben County, characterized by its tranquil scenery and tight-knit community. Located just south of Corning, New York, Caton covers approximately 38 square miles and is known for its serene lifestyle, agricultural heritage, and peaceful residential areas. Its rural nature means that incidents such as the one involving Grzelak tend to reverberate through the local community, prompting both concern and calls for enhanced public safety measures.

Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP)

The CAP system in New York is intended to streamline the judicial process for individuals who are arrested outside of standard court operating hours. By scheduling regular CAP sessions, the state ensures that defendants are promptly brought before a court, where both the prosecution and defense are represented. This procedure not only safeguards the legal rights of the accused but also enables law enforcement to return to their duties promptly, particularly in regions where judicial resources may be limited.

Order of Protection

An Order of Protection is a legal instrument used to safeguard individuals from harassment, abuse, or violence. Often issued in cases involving domestic disputes or instances of potential harm, such orders typically mandate that the respondent avoid any form of contact with the protected party. Violating such an order is not only a breach of court directive but also a criminal offense, as is alleged in this case against Grzelak.

Current Status and Ongoing Investigations

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains open. Law enforcement agencies are urging any individuals with additional information regarding the case to come forward and contact the New York State Police Troop E Headquarters. The swift transportation of Grzelak to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment underscores the seriousness of the offenses and the commitment of local authorities to ensure public safety and uphold legal protections.

As the legal process progresses, further updates are anticipated regarding Grzelak’s court appearances and any subsequent actions related to the charges. The case highlights the challenges faced by rural communities when addressing domestic disputes and reinforces the importance of protective legal mechanisms, such as Orders of Protection, in preventing further harm.