Indictment In St. Patrick's Day Slashing In Nyack

NYACK, NY — A 63-year-old accused of slashing another man across the face with a buck knife on St. Patrick's Day has been indicted, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced Friday.

Eddie Sanchez, of Nyack, faces charges of Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree.

Prosecutors alleged that at 6:12 p.m. March 17, Sanchez was arguing with a 46-year-old Orangetown resident on Main Street in Nyack. He pulled a knife from his pocket, held it behind his back and then slashed the man across the face.

The cut created a deep wound on the victim's lower left cheek extending about 4 inches to his chin. He required treatment at a local hospital, including 30 stitches to his face, prosecutors said.

The attack was witnessed by several people. Sanchez fled in a maroon-colored vehicle, prosecutors said.

It was found quickly by the Orangetown Police Department at Nyack Plaza. Officers said Sanchez was in the passenger seat and a large buck knife was seized as evidence from the passenger’s side compartment door.

"Extreme acts of violence like this will not be tolerated in our community," Walsh said. "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."

Sanchez, who is currently on probation in Rockland County stemming from a conviction for Assault in the Third Degree on March 24, 2023, faces a mandatory minimum of five and a maximum of 25 years in state prison if convicted of the Assault in the First-Degree charge, the DA's office said.