David Johnson was indicted by a grand jury on March 17 for allegedly robbing and beating a pedestrian in downtown Middletown, according to the county district attorney’s office.
Such a random, violent attack on a downtown sidewalk in broad daylight is a rare occurrence in the city, according to crime statistics provided by the police department.
The victim, an Asian immigrant in his 50s who wishes to remain anonymous out of concern for his safety, suffered significant facial injuries and remains shaken from the incident, he told The Epoch Times.
He said he appreciated the swift police response in rendering aid and arresting the suspect.
Middletown police Lt. Jeffrey Thoelen told The Epoch Times that the incident highlighted the challenges the police face because of lax bail law and diminished mental health care.
Just two days before the robbery, Johnson was arrested by Middletown police for allegedly threatening a store clerk at 76 East Main St. and stealing about $200, according to a police release.
He was charged with robbery in the third degree—an offense not eligible for bail under the reform law—and was released on his own recognizance.
A 2019 reform law eliminated bail for most misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies in New York.
Within hours of his release, Johnson allegedly acted erratically and attempted to barricade a common door of his apartment building, according to a citizen complaint.
Officers arrived at the scene and tried to speak with Johnson, who refused.
Shortly after, Johnson allegedly attempted to enter the Middletown police department through a few locked doors and was asked by officers to stop.
He was believed to have mental health problems, having been sent to Garnet Medical Center by a local resident for evaluation and released shortly afterward by the hospital, according to a police release.
On March 12, just hours before committing the robbery, Johnson was evaluated by the Orange County Mobile Response Team, who didn’t recommend sending him for hospital treatment.
Johnson’s housing provider, Rehabilitation Support Services, had requested the evaluation.
He was then found to be yelling at staff members at De Filippis Bakery, who didn’t want to file charges after the police arrived.
Officers sent Johnson on his way and left the bakery.
Minutes later, at about 11 a.m., Middletown police received calls that Johnson was assaulting a victim outside a supermarket on 8-10 East Main St.
The victim told The Epoch Times that he was about to enter Da Tang supermarket when Johnson moved to barricade the door and demanded money.
He gave $1 to Johnson, who refused and said something that the victim took to mean that he wanted more (the victim speaks little English).
The victim then attempted to return to his car but was grabbed by Johnson by the neck.
He gave $10 to Johnson, who refused again and started to beat the victim in the face.
After several punches, the victim lost consciousness. Johnson allegedly took the victim’s purse and fled the crime scene.
The victim was taken to Garnet Medical Center for treatment and released home.
Johnson was arrested by Middletown police on the same day, charged with robbery in the first degree, and remanded to jail on $250,000 bail.
