Eight soldiers being sought after attack on two officers

SACKETS HARBOR — Two 10th Mountain Division officers were assaulted by as many as eight people early Sunday at General Smith Drive and Chapin Alley, according to village police.

The assailants, who have not been arrested, also were Fort Drum soldiers, police believe.

Police Chief Richard G. Coseo said the victims are a captain and a first lieutenant. Benjamin Bryant, 25, who suffered a fractured bone around and cuts above his right eye, and Thomas Campbell, 25, who had a nose fracture and multiple cuts, were treated at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown. Chief Coseo was uncertain which man has which rank.

The officers are with the Second Brigade. No additional information was available from Fort Drum.

Chief Coseo was at Fort Drum on Tuesday continuing the investigation, and said military authorities are assisting. One suspect has been identified, he said, and attempts are being made to identify the other assailants.

The motive for the assault, which broke out about 2:30 a.m., has not been determined, he said.