Charges of harassment and disorderly conduct stemming from a scuffle between two parents at the Y-Zone, a YMCA owned indoor sports complex in Neshannock Township, were dropped Thursday by District Justice James A. Reed.

Robert Whiting, 46, of 153 Cowden Road, was charged Jan. 24, a day after he said he tried to stop a shoving match between his son and two other teenagers before a soccer match at the Mitchell Road sports center. Another father who got involved, Randall Clause, 43, of 145 Neshannock Trails Drive, Neshannock Township, was also charged by Neshannock Township police, who arrived after the incident occurred.

"I thought I was trying to prevent an escalating situation," said Whiting. "I totally felt I acted appropriately. I've played the scene over a thousand times in my head. I felt it had to be broken up before it got worse."

According to Whiting, his son Brandon and Wilmington senior Matt Krawchyk got in a shouting and shoving match with Clause's son.

Whiting pulled Clause's son away and pushed him up against the Plexiglas wall surrounding the indoor soccer field, he said. Clause then waded into the situation and knocked Whiting to the ground.

Reed was not available Friday to explain why the charges were dropped.

Whiting said that ten witnesses were ready to testify at the hearing Thursday on his behalf. Wilmington Area High School junior Brandon Boron of Pulaski said he was punched in the throat by Clause during the melee and expected to testify against Clause but didn't.

Whiting said Boron was told in a meeting with Reed and attorneys representing Whiting and Clause that the charges against Whiting would be dropped if he didn't testify.

Whiting said he was also contacted by Clause's attorney, Carmen LaMancusa of New Castle last week and asked to sign a waiver to agree not to sue Clause. Whiting refused to sign it.