A serious incident took place in Clearfield where a 27-year-old man allegedly attacked his teenage coworker at work. The situation has led to a major criminal charge and is being closely followed by authorities and the public alike.
Man Charged with Strangling 17-Year-Old Coworker
Devin Alexander Johnson, aged 27, has been formally charged with aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony, after allegedly strangling a 17-year-old boy during a workplace argument. The charge, which is considered extremely serious under the law, was filed on Friday.
What Happened During the Argument?
The reported incident took place on May 23, 2025. According to court documents:
- Johnson and the 17-year-old were working together when they got into an argument.
- The teen told police that during the argument, Johnson came up from behind and forced him to the ground.
- He then allegedly got on top of the boy and strangled him for 15 to 30 seconds.
- Other coworkers saw what was happening and stepped in to pull Johnson off the teen.
What the CCTV Footage Showed
The Unified Police Department began an investigation and reviewed security footage from the workplace. The video reportedly confirmed parts of the teen’s statement:
- The teen was seen speaking to Johnson while he was cooking.
- Johnson appeared angry and turned to face the teen.
- The 17-year-old backed away and raised his hands to avoid conflict.
- Johnson then grabbed him by the neck, pushed him down, and stayed on top of him until others stepped in.
Legal Action and Next Steps
At this time, Johnson has not been arrested. However:
- A summons has been issued, requiring him to appear in court for the charges.
- The case will move forward through legal hearings, and the court will decide on the next steps based on the evidence, including witness statements and video footage.
What Is Aggravated Child Abuse?
In legal terms, aggravated child abuse refers to intentional or knowing harm to a minor that causes serious physical or emotional injury. Since the victim is 17 and legally a minor, and the act allegedly involved strangulation, the charge was raised to a first-degree felony, which carries strict penalties if proven in court.
Public and Workplace Safety Concerns
This incident raises serious questions about workplace safety, especially for minors. It also highlights the importance of:
- Having proper supervision and protocols when young employees are involved.
- Ensuring that conflicts at work are handled calmly and professionally.
- Reporting any form of abuse or violence immediately to the authorities.
