Suspect in assault case appears in court

UPDATE: Mr. Young’s case was dismissed without prejudice Dec. 22 in Clark County Superior Court — meaning the case could be re-filed at a later date — due to insufficient evidence to proceed to trial, court records show.

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A 19-year-old man who allegedly followed a woman as she walked home from work and assaulted her in an alley made a first appearance Wednesday in Clark County Superior Court.

Malachi G. Young appeared on suspicion of indecent liberties, stalking and fourth-degree assault in connection with the Aug. 19 incident.

His place of residence was not listed in court documents.

The victim, also 19, told police she was walking at about 5:45 p.m. when a man pushed her up against a fence in an alley near the 2800 block of Stapleton Road. The assailant fondled her breast through her shirt and then punched her on the right side of her body, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in support of the allegations.

She said she recognized the man — later identified as Young — from his frequenting the restaurant where she works. She said Young had followed her while she walked home before, which made her uncomfortable, the affidavit states.

On Sept. 5, he was seen near the restaurant again, and the victim identified him as her assailant. He was subsequently arrested, court records said.

Young denied following and assaulting the woman. He said he has a brother who lives in the area, and he walks to his residence, according to court documents.

Court records show that Young was convicted in three separate cases for methamphetamine possession earlier this summer.

On Wednesday, Judge Derek Vanderwood set Young’s bail at $40,000.

He will be arraigned Sept. 13.