Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Friday the indictment of Eddie Sanchez, 63 of Nyack, New York by a Rockland County Grand Jury for Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree.
On March 17, 2024, at approximately 6:12 pm, the defendant engaged in a verbal dispute with the victim, a 46-year-old male resident of the Town of Orangetown. The defendant then removes a knife from his pocket, conceals it behind his back and then intentionally slashes the victim across his face, causing him to sustain a deep wound on the left side of his lower cheek extending approximately 4 inches to his chin. This serious physical injury required treatment at a local hospital, including approximately 30 stitches to his face.
This broad daylight attack occurred on the sidewalk of Main Street in Nyack, New York and was witnessed by several individuals. The defendant immediately fled the area in a maroon-colored vehicle. The vehicle was located by members of the Town of Orangetown Police Department in Nyack Plaza shortly thereafter, with the defendant in the passenger seat of the car and a large buck knife seized as evidence from the passenger’s side compartment door. The defendant was then placed under arrest.
District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “As alleged, the defendant in this case intentionally slashed the victim causing serious injuries that resulted in approximately 30 stitches to his face. Extreme acts of violence like this will not be tolerated in our community. People going about their daily activities in our village’s main streets and thoroughfares must be and feel safe at all times. My office is committed to holding the defendant accountable for his actions.”
The defendant faces a mandatory minimum of five years state prison and a maximum of 25 years in state prison if convicted of the Assault in the First-Degree charge. Eddie Sanchez is currently on probation in Rockland County stemming from a conviction for Assault in the Third Degree in Rockland County Court just one year prior on March 24, 2023.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Matthew Martinez and Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Reilly.