The Sidney Police Department along with Sidney-Shelby County Crime Stoppers is seeking assistance from the public.
On Saturday, March 12 2016 at approx. 6 p.m. a 16-year-old male juvenile was walking with another juvenile in the 200 block of North West Ave when a verbal altercation was exchanged between the juveniles and an adult male subject who was at 233 ½ N. West Ave. After the verbal exchange the two male juveniles continued to walk southbound on West Ave. When the juveniles reached the intersection of North Street the male subject to which they had their verbal exchange with ran from across the street and punched the 16 year old male juvenile knocking the juvenile to the ground and unconscious. As a result of the assault the victim was transported to Wilson Health and then Careflight to Miami Valley Hospital.
There were several witnesses to the assault and as a result the suspect’s identity was quickly learned as being Johnny L. Harness, age 31, N. West Ave., Sidney. Multiple contacts were attempted at the Harness’ residence however he was not located. Harness’ live in girl-friend, Samantha Rivera age 24, was question by the responding officers to which she knowingly provided misleading information to them to prevent Harness’ discovery and to conceal his involvement with the assault.
As a result of the incident arrest warrants have been issued out of the Sidney Municipal Court. A felony 2 Felonious Assault warrant has been issued for Johnny L Harness. A felony 3 Obstructing Justice warrant has been issued for Samantha Rivera. Anyone with information about this incident or to the whereabouts of Harness and Rivera are asked to call the Sidney Crime Stoppers at 937-492-8477.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 937-492-TIPS. A reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Callers will remain anonymous.
Sidney-Shelby County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward up to $500 for information leading to the identity and arrest of the individuals involved in this crime.
The funds used for Crime Stoppers’ rewards are raised through donations and Municipal Court fines. Tax dollars are not used to pay rewards.
