Louisiana man accused of assaulting minor in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- According to the Johnstown Police Department, an Amite City, Louisiana man was arrested after allegedly attacking a minor. Paul Joseph Benoit, 25, faces multiple charges.

Charges

• First-degree unlawful imprisonment
• Third-degree assault
• Forcible touching
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Failing to register a change of address as a sex offender

On September 22 at around 7 p.m., Johnstown Police were dispatched to the area of Rail Trail between West Main Street and West Montgomery Street for reports of a minor who had been attacked and hurt. Police say that during the attack the suspect threatened the victim with a weapon and said he would kill her if she didn't stay silent.

According to law enforcement, the victim fought off the suspect and ran to a friend's home to call the police before providing the patrol officers with a detailed description of the attacker. The police say their investigation led to the arrest of Benoit, a level three sex offender who is allegedly wanted in Louisiana and Missouri.

Johnstown Police report that Benoit acted alone and there is no public safety threat. The department was assisted by the Gloversville Police Department Detective Division and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office K9.