On the evening of August 6, 2024, Ithaca Police Officers responded to reports of a dispute in progress at the Ithaca Commons. The incident, reported at approximately 7:52 PM, involved three juveniles under the age of eighteen assaulting William Metro, known locally as the ‘Magic Man’. Metro, an amateur magician often seen performing at The Commons, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation. This reporter witnessed loud shouting and profanity echoing down the Commons as far as the playground. Emergency dispatchers were “getting overwhelmed with calls about the indecent.”
Upon arrival, officers conducted a scene investigation, which revealed that multiple bystanders had witnessed the assault and some had even attempted to intervene on Metro’s behalf. One such bystander was also struck by the juveniles during the incident.
The three juveniles involved in the assault were detained and later released with juvenile appearance tickets for Attempted Gang Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D Felony. Due to their age, the identities of the juveniles have not been disclosed.
Metro has been a victim of violence on The Commons numerous times over the last decade. In April of 2022, Metro was assaulted by a mob of approximately 10 teenagers who stole his belongings and shot him with an airsoft gun.
Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Ithaca Police
Department via the following means:
Police Dispatch: 607-272-3245
Police Administration: 607-272-9973
Police Tipline: 607-330-0000
Anonymous Email Tip Address: www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips