Connect with us

Crime

Rockland DA: SPRING VALLEY MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SHOOTING

Published

on

SPRING VALLEY, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Kevin Castillo, 22 of Spring Valley, New York was sentenced to 7.5 years in state prison with 5 years of post-release supervision as a result of his conviction for Assault in the 1st Degree – Penal Law § 120.10 (1) (“B” Felony).

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 3:06 am, police officers from the Spring Valley Police Department responded to a Spring Valley, NY, residence to investigate a reported shooting that just occurred. Upon their arrival, the victim’s mother rushed down the residence’s stairs to beckon the officers inside in order to assist her daughter who sustained a gunshot wound. The officers then observed the female victim laying in the entryway of a room suffering from a visible bleeding gunshot wound to her right forearm that did not appear to have an exit wound. The victim advised that prior to being shot, the defendant was on a fire escape ladder outside the residence, and that she went to open a window to tell him to leave. At this point, the victim explained that the defendant began to shoot at her with a handgun, and he subsequently struck her in the arm. The defendant then fled from the property.

Upon their quick arrival, first responders transported the victim to Westchester Medical Center to undergo successful emergency surgery. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to canvass the area for the defendant. The defendant was located and arrested by law enforcement approximately an hour and a half after the shooting.

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “Keeping Rockland County residents safe from gun violence is a top priority of mine. My Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level to get illegal firearms off the street. The defendant in this case recklessly fired a handgun into a room without any regard for the victim, who underwent emergency surgery for her injuries. I commend the law enforcement agencies involved for their thorough investigation and quickly apprehending the defendant. The defendant will now be held accountable for his actions.”

The case was investigated by the Spring Valley Police Department with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Ramapo Police Department, and Clarkstown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Supervising Assistant District Attorney Nicole Garcia.

Crime

New York State Police Issue Over 12,000 Tickets During Memorial Day Weekend Enforcement Campaign

Published

on

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – The New York State Police announced that a total of 12,062 tickets were issued statewide during the 2025 Memorial Day Weekend traffic enforcement campaign, marking a significant increase in citations compared to last year. The special enforcement period ran from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, 2025, and was part of an annual effort to keep roads safe during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

The initiative, partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, included sobriety checkpoints, increased DWI patrols, and targeted enforcement against distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors.
Enforcement Results: DWI Arrests and Traffic Violations

During the four-day period, 245 drivers were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Troopers also responded to 774 motor vehicle crashes, including three fatal accidents.

Key violations during the 2025 Memorial Day crackdown included:

Speeding: 3,472 tickets

Distracted Driving: 393 tickets

Seatbelt Violations: 1,660 tickets

Move Over Law Violations: 225 tickets

These figures show a notable increase from the 2024 Memorial Day Weekend enforcement, during which 10,949 total tickets were issued and 225 DWI arrests were made.
A Message of Road Safety and Responsibility

The New York State Police emphasized that these enforcement efforts are vital to protecting drivers and passengers during high-traffic holiday periods.

Below is a breakdown of violations by troop:

Officials encourage drivers to always wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, respect speed limits, and never drive under the influence.

Continue Reading

Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

Published

on

Over the past 24 hours, Ramapo Police Officers have remained hard at work, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and actively engaging with our community. Here’s a look at the highlights from another demanding day in public safety.


Traffic Enforcement & Public Safety

Our continued efforts to maintain roadway safety led to several enforcement actions:

  • Three motorists were cited for operating vehicles with suspended registrations.

  • Three drivers were stopped and cited for driving with suspended licenses.

These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe for all.


Arrests and Enforcement Actions

Officers made several arrests in connection with a variety of incidents:

  • Two individuals were taken into custody on active warrants. Both were later released on their own recognizance.

  • One arrest was made in a domestic incident for violating an Order of Protection. The individual was also released on recognizance.

  • An additional arrest was made for an open container violation, a part of our continued focus on quality-of-life enforcement throughout the Town of Ramapo.


Major Incident: Armed Robbery

A significant and violent incident occurred involving an armed robbery at the end of a residential driveway. During the altercation, the victim was pistol-whipped as they attempted to retain possession of a firearm. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with a substantial amount of cash. The victim sustained injuries and was treated at the scene.

Ramapo Police Officers and Detectives responded immediately and initiated a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police . Through coordinated efforts, a suspect was identified and located within hours.

A 42-year-old male from Middletown, NY was taken into custody and formally charged with:

  • Robbery in the First Degree

  • Assault in the Second Degree

  • Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree

  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

  • Menacing in the Second Degree

The suspect is currently being processed at Ramapo Police Headquarters. Arraignment is expected later today at Hillburn Justice Court.


Our officers remain dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Ramapo. We thank the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Ramapo Police Department

Continue Reading

Trending