Cameron McCaffery, 31, was arrested on Sunday November 24 around 8:30 PM at the Asteri apartments. Ithaca Police officers responded to the scene receiving reports of a domestic assault.
Upon arrival, officers found the victim, who alleged that McCaffery had assaulted her and threatened her with an axe. Police located McCaffery on the scene and took him into custody without incident.
McCaffery has been charged with the following offenses:
Assault in the Second Degree (Class D Felony)
Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree (Class D Felony)
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D Felony)
Menacing in the Second Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Assault in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
This incident adds to McCaffery’s history of criminal activity. In July 2022, he was arrested by Ithaca Police for stealing a motorcycle while also being sought for several outstanding warrants. In April 2021, McCaffery was captured after being listed among the ‘Twin Tiers Most Wanted‘ for violating probation related to a third-degree burglary conviction.
Following his arrest on Sunday, McCaffery was arraigned and remanded to the Tompkins County Jail without bail by Judge Peacock. He is scheduled to appear in Ithaca City Court at a later date.
The Asteri building, where the November 24 domestic assault involving McCaffery occurred, has faced significant issues since opening earlier in 2024. This mixed-use facility, which includes supportive housing for previously homeless individuals and a conference center, has been plagued by frequent emergency responses related to fires, overdoses, and violent incidents. Notably, an umbrella was set on fire in a stairwell just weeks after its opening. Public areas around the building have reportedly been marred by litter, human and animal waste, and loitering, which residents and local officials have criticized as contributing to unsafe conditions.
Management challenges have also arisen, with one building manager resigning shortly after taking the role. The Vecino Group, responsible for managing Asteri, has faced criticism for similar issues in other properties they oversee, including the Arthaus building in Ithaca.
Anyone with information about this crime 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