Gun Threats, Shovels, and a Neighborhood Brawl: What Happened on Roxboro Road?

A Tuesday morning dispute on Roxboro Road escalated into a physical fight involving residents, a construction crew, and neighbors—culminating in the arrest of 19-year-old William Bohland on charges of aggravated menacing and obstructing official business.

According to police, officers were dispatched to the 270 block of Roxboro Road at 8:52 a.m. on April 22 following a 911 call reporting a fight in progress and possible firearm involvement. Vermilion police arrived to find the street disrupted by an ongoing sewer project and tensions boiling over between the Bohland family and the city’s contracted sewer construction crew from Digioia Suburban Excavating.

The Bohlands’ Account

William Bohland and his brother Luke told us and officers the incident began over blocked access to their driveway. William was attempting to take his girlfriend, Abigail Glass, to work when construction vehicles allegedly obstructed his vehicle’s exit. Luke said he was moving a golf cart when a confrontation began, and tensions quickly escalated into verbal shouting and then physical fighting.

The Bohlands alleged that neighbor Kirk Layberger, 61, exited his home with a firearm and threatened them. Luke claimed Layberger was standing in the street with what appeared to be a rifle. However, police reported that no firearm was pointed at anyone, and multiple witnesses stated no gun was ever brandished during the incident. He declined comment when we were on the scene.

Both William and Luke claimed they were attacked by construction workers during the scuffle. Luke stated he was struck in the head multiple times with a shovel, while William said he was tackled and pepper sprayed—accidentally, by Glass—in the chaos. Officers documented minor injuries to both.

Witness and Construction Crew Accounts

Multiple witnesses painted a different picture. Layberger said he was verbally provoked by William and Luke before William swung at him. Layberger admitted punching William in return and said his prosthetic leg fell off during the struggle.

Several construction workers, including job superintendent Victor Seeley, told police William made threatening statements, allegedly saying he was going to retrieve a 20-gauge shotgun and “shoot every [expletive] out here.” One worker reported that when asked if it was a threat, William replied, “you’re damn right it is.”

Construction worker Steven Schaal attempted to break up the fight and sustained a hand injury. Another crew member, David Woods Jr., said both Bohland brothers were the aggressors—one swinging a shovel, the other threatening the crew.

Police Response and Arrest

Officers separated the parties upon arrival. During the investigation, William allegedly blocked Detective Shupe from approaching his father, David Bohland, who had just arrived and was reportedly agitated. Police stated William resisted efforts to maintain order and was arrested at the scene.

He was charged with aggravated menacing and obstructing official business, processed at VPD, and later bonded out in municipal court.

Police noted the incident may have been partially captured on a construction truck’s camera. That footage has not yet been released.

A Second Round of Conflict

Later in the day, officers returned to Roxboro Road after reports that tensions had again flared. David Bohland, William and Luke’s father, allegedly drove erratically near the construction zone, moved family vehicles to block the roadway, and continued to argue with officers, construction workers, and neighbors. At one point, he reportedly told Detective Shupe, “I hope you get your f—ing ass beat coming out of your house one day.” Police documented this as a possible threat, though Bohland later retracted the comment and apologized after being warned it could be interpreted as criminal. Officers were eventually able to de-escalate the situation, but noted the continued unrest between the family and the construction crew.

Luke Bohland Statement

I went to take my little brother’s girlfriend (Abby) to work at about 8:50 a.m. I got outside to go and was blocked in by a construction crew, so I pushed a golf cart out from behind my vehicle so I could wiggle out of my driveway. William told me that they should not be blocking the driveway. A construction member walked to William, telling him to shut his mouth and to keep moving. I called 911 and was on the phone after this point.

Kirk came out into the street with a rifle and aimed at William. The dispatcher told me to go inside, so I listened and went in. I told [the dispatcher] my brother was still outside. I went back out to get William, and he was pulling out and going down the street. Kirk was not seen with the rifle again.

Kirk walked into the street calling William, Abby, and myself slurs—problematic and other insults. William got out of his car and walked to the trunk, where Kirk punched William in the face. A construction crew followed in tow with Kirk to assault William, at which point I told dispatch that they were fighting and I was done.

I watched the construction crew hit William, so I got in and pushed the crew back. Then three guys came after me, tackled me to the ground, so I grabbed someone in a choke hold on the ground. Then, while I was holding the choke, someone hit me on the head 4 to 5 times with a shovel.

While that was happening, William was being assaulted by a couple members of the construction crew as well. Someone in all of this—Abby—used pepper spray and got William. I’m unsure if anyone else got sprayed.

Officers showed up, took statements, and I left for the hospital.

Vehicle 3 was present, and everything took place about 15 feet in front.