ELLENVILLE – A 10-year-old boy was injured this past Monday night, after a home break-in occurred at 17 Canal Street in the village. Police say that, at 2 a.m. on Monday morning, an intoxicated Christopher O. Bruce broke in to the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, despite the fact that she has an order of protection against this individual. When the woman asked Bruce to leave, he became violent. At this point, in order to defend herself, the woman grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed Bruce in the leg.

"He entered the residence unlawfully," said Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion. "She confronted him, and told him to leave. He refused. An argument ensued. He became enraged, and she grabbed a steak knife. He attacked her and she stabbed him in the upper thigh."

During this melee, the 10-year-old boy came to the aid of his mother by running out of the house in order to get help from a neighbor. Bruce pursued him down the street, eventually catching up with the boy, and then assaulting him.

"The suspect saw that the boy leaving the residence, the suspect chased the little boy down, and he repeatedly kicked the boy in the stomach," Mattracion said.

Bruce then fled on foot prior to the officers' arrival.

Police, along with the assistance of the NY State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, initiated a search of the area, but were unable to locate Bruce. However, the next day, acting on a tip, Ellenville PD, accompanied by state troopers, were able to locate Bruce at the home of a relative on Route 209 in Wawarsing, at which time he surrendered peacefully.

Bruce was then taken into custody and transported to Ellenville Regional Hospital in order to treat his wounded leg. He was processed at the Ellenville Police station and charged with burglary in the 1st degree and criminal contempt in the 1st degree, both felonies; assault in the 3rd degree and endangering the welfare of a child, misdemeanors; and harassment, a violation.

Bruce has since been remanded to Ulster County Jail in lieu of $200,000 cash or $400,000 property bond.

Mattracion said that the department's investigation revealed that Bruce had attacked this same child approximately one year ago, that time kicking the boy in the head several times. The boy's injuries at that time were thought to be severe enough — he had been knocked unconscious — that he was flown to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. Fortunately, it turned out that the injuries were minor.

It was this same incident that caused the mother of the boy to file an order of protection, which was subsequently violated on Tuesday morning.

"The orders of protection were in full effect at the time of this incident," Mattracion said.

As it turns out, the woman actually has two other children with Bruce. However, the boy in question is not related to him. The woman had in fact filed three orders of protection, one for each of her children, though Bruce had been able to visit his other two children during supervised visits.

Mattracion also says that he feels certain that Ulster County Judge Donald Williams will look very closely at the history of violence exhibited by Bruce.

"These violent acts have torn away at the innocence of this child," Mattracion said. "It is certainly my hope that the scales of justice will be balanced out in this matter, and that the punishment for these heinous acts sends a loud and clear message that we as a society will advocate for, and protect, all victims of domestic violence."

Mattracion also said that the investigation continues, and that Ellenville Police are being assisted by Ulster County Family Violence Unit along with Child Protective Services. It is possible that further charges could be filed, Mattracion said.