Machete Attack On Woman Bathing In Creek Leads To Attempted Murder Charge: DA

CITY OF NEWBURGH, NY — A 63-year-old Orange County man is facing attempted murder charges connected to a savage attack on a woman bathing in a Hudson Valley creek.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that George Herring, of Newburgh, was arraigned on Monday on an indictment charging him with second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault, in connection with the machete attack on a woman in the City of Newburgh.

"The unprovoked violence allegedly perpetrated in this case is particularly terrifying given that the victim was naked, and at her most vulnerable when she was attacked with a machete," Hoovler said. "I am grateful for the fast response of the City of Newburgh Police Department, who quickly obtained aid for the victim and apprehended the defendant. No one deserves to be so brutally injured for merely being in a public space. The community must be protected from those who use violence to settle arguments."

According to court filings, on July 12, around 11:30 a.m., Herring, who is homeless, was by the Quassaick Creek, near 73 Bridge Street in the City of Newburgh, when he started arguing with a woman, who was also homeless and bathing in an area of the creek which Herring treats as his own.

After ordering the woman to leave the creek, Herring came out of the woods behind her, hitting her with a machete in the back of her head, as well as with a hard object, according to the filing. The victim suffered serious physical injuries, including a skull fracture, an amputated finger and two fingers having to be surgically reattached, according to the DA. She was flown to Westchester Medical Center where she underwent the surgery.

Herring was remanded back to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, or $250,000 fully secured bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court on July 28.

DA Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation which led to the arrest of Herring, and for the "compassionate aid they rendered to the victim."