HAVERSTRAW, NY — A West Haverstraw man is facing multiple felony charges, including 11 counts of attempted murder and arson, following a disturbing early morning incident that endangered multiple lives and led to a swift police response.

At approximately 5:19 AM, the Haverstraw Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance involving possible shots fired in a residential neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered a mattress engulfed in flames near the front entrance of the home, with civilians actively trying to put out the fire.

While securing the scene, officers joined in the firefighting effort until the West Haverstraw Fire Department arrived. Witnesses informed authorities that a resident of the home had intentionally set fire to the mattress inside the residence before fleeing the scene on foot—reportedly armed with a large machete.

Another quick-thinking resident managed to drag the burning mattress outside, likely preventing further injuries or property damage. A coordinated search of the area led to the arrest of the suspect within a short time.

The suspect has been identified as German Santiago, 72, of West Haverstraw, NY. He has been formally charged with 11 counts of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree and Arson in the 2nd Degree. Santiago was arraigned in the Village of West Haverstraw Justice Court and has been remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings.

The incident remains under active investigation and the Haverstraw Police Department was assisted by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Arson Investigation Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation.