Man accused of assault, obstruction of breathing at village restaurant

A 45-year-old Saugerties man is facing charges that he assaulted and put another man in a chokehold at Stella’s Station in the village, and punched the bartender there, town police said.

Bryan A. Ploss, of 58 Payton Ploss Road, was arrested Friday on charges of assault and criminal obstruction of breathing, both misdemeanors, and harassment, a violation.

Saugerties police said officers responded at 8 p.m. to a reported assault at the establishment at 150 Partition St. They determined that Ploss went to Stella’s to confront an ex-girlfriend and her male companion.

Police said Ploss threatened the male companion and spit in the face of his ex-girlfriend, then grabbed another man and put him in a chokehold.

When the bartender attempted to intervene, Ploss punched the bartender in the face, injuring the bartender’s mouth and nose, police said.

Police said patrons were able to subdue Ploss, who then fled into the parking lot, but one of

the male patrons blocked Ploss’ vehicle, preventing him from leaving before officers arrived. Police said Ploss was arrested in the parking lot.

Paramedics from Diaz Ambulance treated the bartender at the scene and later took the bartender to Northern Dutchess Hospital for further treatment.

Ploss was arraigned in Saugerties Village Court and sent to Ulster County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. Orders of protection were issued on behalf of all the victims, police said.