Fight Breaks Out Between Vermilion Residents and City Construction Workers

A neighborhood dispute turned violent Tuesday morning in Vermilion when two residents clashed with city construction workers in a chaotic confrontation that involved fists, shovels, pepper spray, and even a comment about a gun.

Police were dispatched around 8:52 a.m. on April 22 to the 270 block of Roxboro Road, where a city sewer project was underway by DiGioia Suburban Excavating. When officers arrived, they found a scene of escalating tension between members of the Bohland family and construction workers hired by the city.

According to reports, the conflict began when construction equipment blocked the driveway of the Bohland residence. William Bohland, 19, was reportedly trying to take his girlfriend to work when he became frustrated with the obstruction. His brother, Luke Bohland, also got involved.

Witnesses told police the situation escalated when the brothers began arguing with both workers and a neighbor, 61-year-old Kirk Layberger. Layberger said he was provoked by verbal threats from the brothers, including a statement from William allegedly saying, “I’ll go get my 20-gauge and shoot every [expletive] out here.”

While Layberger confirmed he struck William during the altercation, he said it was in self-defense after being physically confronted. During the struggle, Layberger’s prosthetic leg fell off. Multiple witnesses backed his account, and police noted that no firearm was ever seen or brandished.

Construction workers attempted to intervene, but the situation turned into a full-scale brawl. Several on the scene reported that Luke Bohland swung a shovel, and William continued to act aggressively. Luke later claimed he was hit in the head multiple times with a shovel. Officers documented minor injuries on both brothers.

One construction worker, Steven Schaal, said he injured his hand while trying to break up the fight. Another, David Woods Jr., told officers that both brothers were the primary aggressors—one threatening violence, the other wielding a shovel.

Amid the scuffle, William Bohland was accidentally pepper-sprayed by his girlfriend, Abigail Glass, who was reportedly attempting to stop the fight.

As the situation was being deescalated, police said William interfered with officers as they tried to speak with his father, David Bohland, who had just arrived at the scene and was growing increasingly confrontational. William was arrested and charged with aggravated menacing and obstructing official business. He was later released on bond.

Police were called back to the area later that day after reports that David Bohland was driving aggressively through the work zone and had blocked the road with family vehicles. Officers documented additional arguments and noted that David allegedly told a detective, “I hope you get your [expletive] ass beat coming out of your house one day.” He later apologized when warned that the comment could be taken as a criminal threat.

Police say footage from a nearby construction truck may provide additional clarity, though it has not yet been made public. The investigation remains ongoing.

Despite the incident, the city’s construction project is expected to continue as planned, with increased police monitoring in the area.