On December 20, 2023, at approximately 1:25 p.m. Troopers from the Middletown barracks responded to an assault on State Route 211 in the town of Wallkill.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Jahri Evans, age 24 and Marquis Johnson, age 24 both from the Town of Wallkill, were involved in a collision on 211 near the ramp to State Route 17 eastbound. After the vehicles came to a stop, both Evans and Johnson exited their vehicles and a physical altercation ensued. During the fight, Evans assaulted Johnson with a large knife causing lacerations to Johnson. Evans fled the area in his vehicle. He was later stopped by a Trooper in Interstate 84 westbound in the Town of Wawayanda and taken into custody without incident. Johnson was transported to Garnet Hospital in Wallkill and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Evans was charged with Assault 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, all felonies and Menacing 2nd degree, a misdemeanor. He was arraigned at Central Arraignment. Bail was set at $20,000 cash/$40,000 bond.