Mental evaluation ordered for suspect in Centennial Trail assaults

The man accused of assaulting several women with a rock on the Centennial Trail Sunday did not appear in court again Tuesday after attorneys for both sides agreed that he needs a mental evaluation at Eastern State Hospital.

Jonathan S. Beggs, 44, is facing two charges of second-degree assault. He reportedly told police officers that he thought the women had recorded video of him masturbating and was afraid they were going to “send it to all their friends,” according to court documents.

Beggs was arrested later Sunday after police were called about a disorderly man at the YMCA on Monroe Street. He reportedly threatened to kill an 8-year-old boy for bumping his knee while playing basketball and said he wanted to “bury” everyone nearby for judging him with their looks, according to court documents.

Beggs will stay in jail until the mental evaluation is completed. His next court hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.