Crime

Troopers Issue Nearly 14,000 Tickets, Arrest 155 For Impaired Driving During Campaign Over The Thanksgiving Holiday

Published

4 years ago

December 6, 2020

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State Police issued 13,887 tickets during this year’s Thanksgiving traffic enforcement initiative, which targeted unsafe driving behaviors during the holiday weekend. The special traffic enforcement period, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, ran from Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 29. State Troopers also arrested 155 people for DWI and investigated 757 crashes, including three fatalities, during the holiday period. The three fatal crashes that NYSP responded to occurred in Allegany, Nassau and Orange counties.

“Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs endangers every single traveler on the road, and it simply will not be tolerated,” said Governor Cuomo. “Not only during the holidays, but at all times, the message is clear – be responsible and drive sober or make plans for finding a safe ride home. It’s literally that simple and by following those rules, our roads will be safer and lives will be saved.”

The State Police supplemented regular patrols statewide during this crackdown with fixed sobriety checkpoints, an underage drinker initiative and the “Operation Hang Up” initiative, which targets distracted drivers by utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement patrol vehicles to better locate drivers talking or texting on handheld devices. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

Acting State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “I commend our Troopers and our local law enforcement partners for the work they do each day to keep our roads safe. State Police will continue to be highly visible throughout the holiday season, looking out for reckless and aggressive drivers. We urge drivers to do their part by making the right choices when they get behind the wheel – drive sober, follow posted speed limits and put away your smart phones.”

GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder said, “I applaud all law enforcement who took part in this mobilization to keep our roads as safe as possible. We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. No one’s holiday memories should be marred by a needless tragedy. If you plan to drink as part of your celebration, please do not drive. Having a plan to designate a sober driver or arrange a ride home could save a life.”

As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. Below is a sampling of the total tickets that were issued.

Speeding 4,871

Distracted Driving 228

Seatbelt violations 1,825

Move Over Law 188

Crime

HPD Announce Arrest Of A Staten Island Man For Burglary Of Pomona Business

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Haverstraw Police Department announces the arrest of Jeffrey Reader (33) of Staten Island, New York in connection with a burglary of a Pomona business that occurred in March 2024.

Reader was located and arrested yesterday in Staten Island by the Haverstraw Police Department and transported back to Rockland County where he is charged with Burglary 3rd degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Mischief 4th degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and Petit Larceny (Class A Misdemeanor). Reader was arraigned last evening and remanded into custody of the Rockland County Correctional Facility.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Crime

Haverstraw Man Sentenced To State Prison Following Jury Trial Conviction On Felony Sexual Abuse Charge

Published

3 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Elmer Oviedo Sandoval, 47 of Haverstraw, New York was sentenced to six years in state prison following an August 8, 2024, conviction after a Rockland County jury trial on one count of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the Second Degree (Class D Felony).

From 2016 to 2019, beginning when the victim was nine years old, the defendant subjected her to sexual contact on multiple occasions while she resided in two separate residences within the Town of Ramapo. In 2023, when the victim 16 years old, disclosed the previous abuse by the defendant to her mother and it was reported to the Ramapo Police Department.

District Attorney Tom Walsh said, “Sexual abuse of a minor is a heinous crime, leaving victims with lasting physical, emotional, and psychological effects. I admire the courage of the victim in this case who bravely came forward to tell her story. I commend the thorough and professional prosecution by the Assistant District Attorneys and investigation by the Ramapo Police Department working with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims. My Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect and keep innocent children in our community safe.”

On October 29, 2024, the defendant was sentenced by Judge Anne Bianchi to six years in state prison followed by ten years of post-release supervision. Once the defendant is released from prison, he will be required to register as a Sex Offender.

The investigation was conducted by the Town of Ramapo Police Department with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit. Supervising Assistant District Attorney Gerard M. Damiani III and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kaitlin Deluca prosecuted the case.