Washington man charged with serious assault in Sunset Park

    Washington resident Johnatan Sanchez was charged with serious assault following an incident that allegedly took place at Sunset Park. The 18-year-old Sanchez was placed under arrest and taken to the Washington County Jail. In addition to serious assault charges, Sanchez is also charged with second degree robbery, which is taking the property of another with the use of force or the threat of force. He was charged with fifth degree theft, which is theft of property valued at $200 or less.

    Washington Police Chief Greg Goodman said he could not comment on the case because it was still under investigation. Goodman said there have been other assaults at Sunset Park in the past, but he does not consider the park to be a ?high-crime? area.

    ?I don?t consider Washington to be a high-crime city, either,? he remarked.

    Goodman said people should take normal precautions such as supervising their children and escorting them to the park. He also said it is a good idea to walk in pairs at night rather than alone. Goodman remarked that officers encounter juveniles running around at night, whom they instruct to go home.

For more, see our Sept. 27 print edition.