Police/Fire/EMS

Fatal Accident in West Nyack, Victim Identified as 2021 Spring Valley HS Graduate

Published

5 years ago

August 16, 2021

WEST NYACK, NY – On August 15, 2021, at approximately 7:47 a.m., State Police responded to a serious personal injury crash on I-87 northbound, in the town of Clarkstown, Rockland County.A preliminary investigation determined a 2015 Honda Accord, operated by Alon M. Forbes, 18, of Bronx, NY, was traveling northbound in the area of mile marker 18.7, when he struck the rear of a 2016 Subaru Outback. The Honda continued off the right shoulder, through the guide rail, and came to rest down a 40-foot embankment.

Forbes was transported to Nyack Hospital for minor injuries and has since been released. The Honda’s front seat passenger, Ashawn Duncan, 18, of Spring Valley, NY, was transported to Nyack Hospital for serious injuries and is currently in critical condition. Back seat passengers, Jasear Hill, 19, or Brooklyn, NY, and Anthony Oranvil, 18, of New City, NY, were both transported to Nyack Hospital for minor injuries and released. A third back seat passenger, Rashid K. Hopson, 19, of Spring Valley, NY, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Rockland County Medical Examiner.

The driver of the Subaru, Terri L. Kugler, 59, of Hawthorne, NJ, was not injured.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by Clarkstown Police Department and West Nyack Fire Department, Troop F BCI and CRU (Collision Reconstruction Unit), as well as Thruway Maintenance. The crash remains under investigation at this time.

Authorities say the person was thrown from their vehicle before being found underneath it by rescuers. Two people are in critical condition and two others suffered minor injuries. The cause of the crash is not clear, according to News 12.

LINK TO GOFUNDME HERE

The victim of the accident has been identified as Rashid Hopson. He was a Spring Valley High School Class of 2021 football player and graduate.

News 12 Reporting

Grief Counseling will be provided at Spring Valley High School Today, Monday, August 16, 2021, from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Suffern Police Department Detective Bureau, in partnership with the Rockland County Intelligence Center, recently conducted a proactive sweep of 35 local businesses to check for ATM and credit card skimming devices. No devices were detected.

Skimming devices are illegal tools used by criminals to capture payment card information during legitimate transactions—often without the victim’s knowledge. This stolen data can then be used to commit fraud and identity theft.

Proactive enforcement efforts like this play a critical role in safeguarding the community by preventing financial crimes before they occur and protecting both residents and local businesses. The Suffern Police Department remains committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the continued safety and security of the community.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Appoints James S. Fay Jr. as New Police Chief, Effective April 2026

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

New City, NY — Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board have appointed Capt. James S. Fay, Jr. as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Clarkstown, effective April 24, 2026.

He will succeed Jeffrey Wanamaker, who is retiring after an impressive 39-year career with the Clarkstown Police Department, including serving as Chief since 2021. The Town plans to formally recognize Wanamaker’s service later this month.

About Incoming Chief James S. Fay, Jr.

Capt. Fay brings 32 years of experience within the Clarkstown Police Department, with a career spanning both operational and administrative leadership:

Specialized Units & Investigations
- Narcotics and organized crime investigations
- Investigator with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force
- Established and led the Street Crime Unit
- Served in the Juvenile Aid Bureau, handling sensitive cases involving children and family court
Emergency & Tactical Experience
- Over a decade with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)
- First responder at the September 11 terrorist attacks
Leadership Roles
- Supervised patrol operations and field training
- Oversaw Special Operations (K-9, Traffic, Anti-Crime)
- Currently serves as Operations Captain, overseeing Patrol, Detectives, and Special Operations
Labor & Community Involvement
- Former executive leader in the Police Benevolent Association
- Founding member of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce Board
- Graduate of Leadership Rockland

Supervisor Hoehmann praised both leaders, expressing gratitude to Chief Wanamaker for his decades of service and confidence in Fay as a “true public servant” committed to the department and community.