A man is facing serious legal actions following an incident that transpired late last month.
Carlos Sanchez-Cruz, aged 38 and hailing from Sylva, has been apprehended on a felony charge of assault inflicting serious bodily injury.
The arrest of Sanchez-Cruz by Sylva Police occurred on March 25, subsequent to a report received around 6:27 p.m. regarding an altercation near McDonald’s on Asheville Highway. Chief Chris Hatton stated that although the caller provided limited information about the incident’s location, they weren’t present at the scene, and the victim didn’t initiate the report.
Subsequently, Sylva Police, in collaboration with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a search in the vicinity for the alleged perpetrator. Ultimately, Sanchez-Cruz was found in an abandoned building across the street, near Little Caesars Pizza.
Sanchez-Cruz stands accused of assaulting Jeremy Trantham with a presumed knife or similar sharp object. Chief Hatton noted that no weapon was discovered either at the scene of the assault or in possession of the suspect.
According to court records, Trantham reportedly sustained lacerations to his bicep as a result of the attack. He was initially taken to Harris Hospital and later airlifted to Mission Hospital in Asheville for further medical attention.
There’s no indication that Sanchez-Cruz and Trantham were acquainted prior to the assault.
Assault inflicting serious bodily injury is classified as a Class F felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 59 months in prison upon conviction.
Sanchez-Cruz has been confined to the Jackson County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for April 15th.
