NEWBURGH, N.Y. — A 63-year-old homeless man has been indicted on attempted murder and assault charges after allegedly attacking a woman with a machete by Quassaick Creek earlier this month, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced Monday.
George Herring was arraigned on charges of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree in connection with the July 12 incident, during which a homeless woman was seriously injured while bathing in the creek near 73 Bridge Street in the City of Newburgh.
Prosecutors say Herring approached the woman, ordered her to leave what he considered “his area” of the creek, and then emerged from nearby woods and struck her in the back of the head with a machete and another hard object.
The victim sustained a skull fracture, lost a finger, and required surgical reattachment of two others. She was flown to Westchester Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Herring, who was arrested shortly after the incident by the City of Newburgh Police Department, is being held at Orange County Jail on $250,000 cash bail, $250,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court for a conference on July 28.
