Haverstraw, NY – On the evening of June 25, 2025, at approximately 9:15 PM, officers from the Haverstraw Police Department responded to an armed robbery at a business located in Garnerville, NY. Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and initiated a comprehensive investigation.

“Haverstraw is a community of good, hardworking people,” said Chief of Police John Gould. “Anyone who thinks they can come into our town and commit a crime should think again. We will not rest until those responsible are identified, located, and brought to justice.”

As a result of the investigation and in collaboration with multiple law enforcement partners, authorities arrested Nelson Morales, 45, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, at approximately 7:00 AM on July 3, 2025, in Orangetown, NY.

Morales has been charged with the following offenses:

• Robbery in the First Degree (Class B Felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D Felony)

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony)

He was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court, where bail was set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 secured bond, or $75,000 partially secured bond. Morales has been remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.

The Haverstraw Police Department expressed gratitude to the New York State Police, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland County Intelligence Center, and the FBI–Westchester Safe Streets Task Force for their vital assistance in resolving the case swiftly and safely.

Please note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.