Witness Intervenes in Youngstown Assault, Scuffles with Suspect

Autistic man testifies he tried to stop attack but was tackled by suspect

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:55pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed hands against a stark black background, the harsh flash illuminating the textured skin and metal cuffs in a dramatic, investigative style.A close-up of evidence from a violent altercation exposes the gritty realities of community members trying to intervene in acts of assault.Youngstown Today

A 19-year-old witness in Mahoning County, Ohio testified that he tried to intervene and stop a man from hitting a woman, but the man, Lynell Stanley, 40, tackled the witness, leading to a scuffle that left the witness with stitches and a concussion. Stanley is on trial for two counts of felonious assault and has filed a notice that he will argue self-defense.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges and risks community members face when trying to intervene in acts of violence, as well as the complex legal issues around self-defense claims when bystanders get involved.

The details

The witness, who is autistic, said he was on his front porch with friends when he saw Stanley hit a woman in the 3200 block of South Avenue. The witness testified that he went over to Stanley and tried to get him to 'calm down' by hugging him or putting him in a bear hug. However, Stanley made a fist and it looked like he was about to hit the witness, so the witness tackled Stanley. The two then scuffled in the street, with the witness saying 'My first instinct was to pick him up and slam him.' The witness ended up with stitches and a concussion.

  • The incident occurred in October 2025.
  • Stanley's trial began on April 7, 2026.

The players

Lynell Stanley

A 40-year-old man on trial for two counts of felonious assault, who has filed a notice that he will argue self-defense.

The 19-year-old witness

An autistic man who testified that he tried to intervene and stop Stanley from hitting a woman, leading to a scuffle between the two.

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What they’re saying

“'My first instinct was to pick him up and slam him.'”

— The 19-year-old witness

“'Wouldn't you be concerned if a big guy you didn't know just grabbed you?'”

— Nick Brevetta, defense attorney

“'Yes.'”

— The 19-year-old witness

What’s next

The trial is ongoing, and the judge will ultimately decide whether Stanley's actions constituted self-defense or felonious assault.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex dynamics and risks involved when bystanders try to intervene in acts of violence, as well as the challenges of determining self-defense claims in such situations.