NEW WATERFORD Teen's bond rises after victim dies

The man was punched and then hit his head on the pavement.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
NEW WATERFORD -- A judge raised a Poland man's bond to $1 million now that a village man whom police said he struck last month has died.
Seth S. Robinson, 19, of Clingan Road, Poland, is in the Columbiana County jail on a charge of felonious assault and underage consumption.
He was charged after village police said he punched Larry Athey Sr., 59, of West Main Street, on Sept. 17 in the parking lot of the Vittle Village here.
According to a complaint by New Waterford Patrolman Chris Albert, Athey apparently lost consciousness after the blow, fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement.
Athey was taken to St. Elizabeth Health Center, where he was treated for bleeding and swelling of the brain and "possible neurological damage," the complaint says.
Athey died Wednesday.
Judge increases bond
Judge Mark Frost of County Municipal Court increased Robinson's $500,000 bond to $1 million after being notified of Athey's death.
John Gamble, an assistant county prosecutor, said authorities would wait for results of an autopsy by the Mahoning County coroner's office before contemplating whether additional charges may be filed.
Police have said that when the assault occurred, Robinson and Matt Davidson, 19, of McCloskey Road, Columbiana, were standing outside the store. Robinson is charged with underage consumption.
According to Albert's report, Robinson made a comment to Athey as Athey went inside the store. Athey and Robinson argued when Athey came out.
Athey took a knife from a sheath on his belt but put it back. Police said a witness told them that Athey did not extend the blade or lunge at Robinson.
Athey went to his car, put his purchases inside and then turned to Robinson, who punched him, causing Athey to fall to the ground, Albert's report says.
At a standstill
A New Waterford dispatcher said Chief Dan Hauter was out of town and no additional information will be available until he returns Monday.
St. Elizabeth referred calls to Mahoning County Coroner Dr. David Kennedy, who could not be reached.
wilkinson@vindy.com