POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – City Councilman Christopher Grant, 37, who represents Poughkeepsie’s Sixth Ward, has been arraigned on a violent felony assault charge after allegedly striking a 69-year-old man during a public event. The charge carries a potential prison sentence of two to seven years if convicted.
Incident at Caribbean Fest
The alleged altercation took place last weekend at a Caribbean Festival hosted by Grant at the Poughkeepsie waterfront. The victim, Winston Strachan, claims Grant punched him during an argument. Strachan was treated at a local hospital before visiting the police station later that night, August 2, to file a complaint.
Initially, Grant was charged only with harassment — a violation typically applied to incidents involving minor physical contact. However, the charge was later elevated to a violent felony due to the victim’s age.
Felony Upgrade Based on New York Law
Under New York State law, assault can be classified as a violent felony if the victim is 65 years of age or older and the accused is more than ten years younger, provided the injury was intentional. The statute specifies: “With intent to cause physical injury to a person who is sixty-five years of age or older, he or she causes such injury to such person, and the actor is more than ten years younger than such person.”
Because Strachan is 69 and Grant is 37, the age provision applied, escalating the charge.
Court Proceedings and Conditions
Grant appeared in City Court on Thursday afternoon, represented by the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office. Judge Scott Volkmann released him to the supervision of the Dutchess County Probation Department. As a condition, Grant must report weekly to probation until further notice from the court.
Additionally, Judge Volkmann issued a full order of protection barring Grant from contacting Strachan in any form. Temporary orders of protection were also issued for three witnesses to the incident.
Once the arraignment concluded, Grant’s handcuffs were removed, and he exited the courtroom.
Next Court Date
Councilman Grant is scheduled to return to court in two weeks as the case proceeds. If convicted of the violent felony assault charge, he faces a mandatory prison term.
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