Teen in Canaan arrested for strangling peer
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Richard L. Mazzone
Troop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Canaan, New York – On September 14, 2018, the New York State Police from the New Lebanon barracks and Livingston Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Joshua R. Melendez, age 16, of Canaan, for Strangulation in the 2nd degree, a class D felony.
On September 12, 2018, a possible assault that occurred at Berkshire Farm Center was reported to Troopers in New Lebanon. An investigation found on September 10, 2018, Melendez engaged in an argument with and then choked the victim. Melendez released his choke hold after the victim lost consciousness. The victim did regain consciousness and was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.
Melendez was arraigned before the town of Canaan Court and released back to the supervision of Berkshire Farm Center. Melendez is next scheduled to appear before the Town Court on September 27, 2018, at 6:00 p.m.