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BREAKING: Murder Suspect in Haverstraw 7-Eleven Road Rage Killing Dies of Apparent Suicide in Jail

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NEW CITY, NY – The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division announced that on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at approximately 8:07 PM Corrections Officers, while making scheduled checks of the housing area, found Jason Mendez alone in his cell attempting suicide by hanging.

Corrections Officers entered the cell and performed CPR until the arrival of Emergency Medical Personnel. Efforts to revive the inmate were unsuccessful.

Jason Mendez, 36, of Washingtonville, NY was declared deceased after being found in his cell by corrections officers. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office will oversee the investigation into the unattended death of Mr. Mendez and work with investigators from the Rockland County Sheriff’s office to determine what happened.

Jason Mendez was awaiting trial for the killing of Melissa DeLoatch, and mowing down her family in an incident that took place in February 2019 at the 7-Eleven on Central Highway in Haverstraw. The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office has notified the victim’s family.

District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “I had my office immediately contact the DeLoatch family so they did not hear about the death of Mr. Mendez through other sources. It was always our office’s hope to bring justice to the victims and their families in this horrific case and we are saddened that it will not be the case. District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II continues to offer his sympathies to the DeLoatch family and will assist them in any way to help them get past this tragedy. “I would like to reaffirm that my office will work with the investigators from the Rockland County Sheriff’s office to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation into the death of Jason Mendez.”

 

Crime

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

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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.

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Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

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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

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