A Town of Union man faces a second-degree manslaughter charge after Broome County Sheriff's deputies say he threw a shovel at a man riding a dirt bike Tuesday night, causing the biker to crash into a parked van, get ejected off his bike, and hit the pavement.

The biker, 24-year-old Cameron Fortner, died of his injuries at the hospital. 

Deputies arrested and charged 48-year-old John J. Hughes, of Airport Road in Union, with second degree manslaughter.

Hughes allegedly threw the shovel at Fortner to get him to slow down. Hughes had called 911 to report a neighborhood disturbance.

"Mr. Hughes entered the roadway with a shovel, holding it in a horizontal fashion, parallel with the roadway. He observed Mr. Fortner approaching him on the dirtbike and extended the shovel out in an attempt to slow him down or stop him, seeing the police officer down the street," said Broome County Sheriff's Captain Kate Newcomb.

On Thursday, Broome County Sheriff's announced the arrest of a second man, 50-year-old Eric VanFossen, of Endicott, charging him with second-degree manslaughter. Authorities alleged VanFossen "participated in the activity that contributed to the collision."

Broome County authorities say deputies witnessed the crash at around 9:15 p.m., while investigating reports of people riding illegal dirt bikes and performing "burn outs" in the streets.

It was their third time that day responding to the same area for the same type of disturbance.

"We always would say call the police, let the police mediate the situation. Let them determine if something criminal has happened or what sort of action should be taken to stop the behavior or remedy the situation," said Newcomb.

Nearly three hours earlier while at the same scene, deputies say they spoke with Fortner, who witnesses say was burning out in a large SUV.

While he was being interviewed, according to authorities, Fortner made threats of shooting the deputies, played loud music, and "was generally uncooperative."

The incident remains under investigation.