Social Media Videos Help Lead to Orange County Mans Assault Arrest
Videos that appeared on YouTube and Facebook, showing a two men getting assaulted in Orange County, helped led to the arrest of the alleged chain-wielding attacker.
On May 20, City of Newburgh police responded to the area of 478 Broadway for a report of a “man down”.
Initial reports were that the man was intoxicated. He was transported to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital for evaluation.
However, a few hours later detectives received several calls regarding a video that was posted on Facebook and YouTube. The videos have now been removed
The video clearly shows that the assumed drunk man was actually assaulted by another man with what appears to be a chain, police say. Video also shows the man hitting another unknown victim in the head with the object.
Following an investigation, 29-year-old Carlos A. Melendez of Newburgh was charged with assault.
Police are still trying to learn who the second victim is. Anyone with any information should call The City of Newburgh Police Detective Division at 845-569-7509. All calls will be kept confidential.