Newburgh man charged after attempt to light utility vehicle, menacing worker

Newburgh police arrested 19 year old Jerson Perez Sanchez after officers say he held a lighter under a Central Hudson vehicle and then menaced a utility worker with a stick. Police were dispatched on December 1 at about 2:23 p.m. to the area of 24 S. Miller Street following a report of a disorderly male harassing a Central Hudson employee. Authorities say they found the worker and Perez Sanchez at the scene and opened an investigation that led to charges of fourth degree arson and second degree menacing.

City chief of staff Mike Neppl said the charges stem from an encounter that afternoon. Police reports indicate the suspect allegedly attempted to ignite the utility vehicle and then picked up a stick and approached the worker in a threatening manner. The vehicle was a potential source of property damage and danger to personnel, though officials have not reported any injuries or service interruptions tied to the incident.

For local residents, the episode highlights the risks faced by utility crews who perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs across neighborhoods. Central Hudson workers routinely enter private and public spaces to inspect lines and equipment, and confrontations can escalate into situations that endanger both employees and the public. This arrest may prompt local agencies and the utility to review field safety protocols, situational awareness training, and coordination with Newburgh police to ensure rapid response when workers face threats.

Authorities have charged Perez Sanchez under state statutes that address arson and menacing, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. In the near term residents may see an increased police presence in areas where utility work is being performed, and officials may remind households to give workers space and report suspicious behavior to law enforcement immediately.

The incident arrives amid ongoing attention to public safety in Orange County neighborhoods, and offers a reminder that protecting critical infrastructure workers is both a public safety priority and a component of maintaining reliable utility service for the community.