NEWARK, N.Y. — A 70-year-old man is recovering in the hospital after police say he was violently assaulted by his neighbor following weeks of alleged harassment.
According to the Village of Newark Police Department, the incident happened on June 23, 2026, when the victim, identified as Johnny White, was attacked outside his home on Siegrist Street.
Authorities say the suspect, 39-year-old Brandon Watt, struck White multiple times with a wooden 2×4 and also assaulted him with his fists.
White suffered serious injuries in the attack, including a broken nose, fractured eye socket, and a fractured jaw. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remained in stable condition while recovering from his injuries.
Investigators say the assault was preceded by an ongoing dispute between the two men. Police reports indicate that White had previously contacted authorities earlier in the month after an alleged verbal altercation in which Watt threatened him and used racial slurs. Officers documented the complaint, though the suspect was not immediately identified at that time.
Following the June 23 attack, police later linked Watt to the earlier harassment incident. Officials say evidence, witness statements, and video footage helped investigators determine his involvement.
Watt was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. Police said a child was present during the incident.
Authorities have stated that, after review with the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office, the case is not being prosecuted as a hate crime at this time.
Family members of the victim say White had been experiencing ongoing harassment prior to the attack and expressed shock over the severity of the violence.
They describe him as a longtime resident of the community who is known for being friendly and hard-working.
White is expected to continue his recovery while the case proceeds through court.
Video Credit: Whec.com
Leave a Reply