HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — A Garnerville man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping in connection with a violent attack on a woman last year in the Village of Haverstraw, authorities announced.

The Haverstraw Police Department said Eduardo Hernandez, 49, of Garnerville, pleaded guilty to Kidnapping in the Second Degree on March 4, 2026, in Rockland County Court before Judge Kevin F. Russo.

Prosecutors said Hernandez is expected to be sentenced to 14 years in New York State prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026.

Attack Outside Haverstraw Home

Authorities said the charges stem from an incident that occurred on September 14, 2025, at approximately 5:25 p.m. outside a residence in the Haverstraw.

According to investigators, Hernandez allegedly attacked a woman, grabbing her by the neck and holding a screwdriver to her throat while threatening to use deadly force as he attempted to abduct her.

Police said the victim fought back and was able to escape the attacker before calling for help.

Witnesses at the scene saw the suspect flee in a vehicle and were able to provide police with the license plate number, which helped investigators quickly identify the suspect.

Arrest in Stony Point

During the investigation, officers located the suspect vehicle the following morning.

Police conducted a traffic stop at approximately 9:15 a.m. on September 15 in Stony Point.

Hernandez fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by officers and transported to the Haverstraw Police Department for processing.

The investigation was conducted by the Haverstraw Police Department with assistance from the Stony Point Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.

Prior Violent Convictions

Authorities said Hernandez has a significant criminal history involving violent offenses against women.

He was released from New York State prison on March 15, 2022, after serving 19 years for multiple felony convictions, including Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree, stemming from incidents that occurred in Haverstraw in 2002 and 2004.

Police Praise Victim and Witnesses

The Haverstraw Police Department commended the victim for her bravery during the attack and credited witnesses who provided critical information that led to Hernandez’s quick identification and arrest.

Spring Valley, NY – Sheriff Louis Falco announces the arrest of Thomas Brenner, 34, of Pomona, following an incident at the Spring Valley Transportation Center.

While on routine patrol in Spring Valley, a Sheriff’s Officer was flagged down by a female who reported that a male subject had just struck her while she was seated at the transportation center awaiting a bus.

As the officer exited his patrol vehicle to engage the suspect, the male immediately became aggressive and charged toward the officer. During the ensuing confrontation, the suspect attempted to remove the officer’s department-issued Taser from its holster.

The officer swiftly gained control of the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. The female victim did not sustain any injuries.

Thomas Brenner was charged with the following offenses under New York State Penal Law:

• PL 160.05 – Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree

• PL 265.02 – Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Previous Conviction)

• PL 265.01 – Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree

• PL 205.30 – Resisting Arrest

• PL 195.05 – Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree

The defendant was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court and remanded to the Rockland County Jail pending a future court appearance.

Sheriff Falco commended the swift and professional actions of the responding officer, whose decisive intervention prevented further harm.

All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.