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Rockland DA: SPRING VALLEY MAN SENTENCED TO STATE PRISON FOR SHOOTING

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1 year ago

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SPRING VALLEY, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Kevin Castillo, 22 of Spring Valley, New York was sentenced to 7.5 years in state prison with 5 years of post-release supervision as a result of his conviction for Assault in the 1st Degree – Penal Law § 120.10 (1) (“B” Felony).

On March 24, 2023, at approximately 3:06 am, police officers from the Spring Valley Police Department responded to a Spring Valley, NY, residence to investigate a reported shooting that just occurred. Upon their arrival, the victim’s mother rushed down the residence’s stairs to beckon the officers inside in order to assist her daughter who sustained a gunshot wound. The officers then observed the female victim laying in the entryway of a room suffering from a visible bleeding gunshot wound to her right forearm that did not appear to have an exit wound. The victim advised that prior to being shot, the defendant was on a fire escape ladder outside the residence, and that she went to open a window to tell him to leave. At this point, the victim explained that the defendant began to shoot at her with a handgun, and he subsequently struck her in the arm. The defendant then fled from the property.

Upon their quick arrival, first responders transported the victim to Westchester Medical Center to undergo successful emergency surgery. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to canvass the area for the defendant. The defendant was located and arrested by law enforcement approximately an hour and a half after the shooting.

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “Keeping Rockland County residents safe from gun violence is a top priority of mine. My Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local level to get illegal firearms off the street. The defendant in this case recklessly fired a handgun into a room without any regard for the victim, who underwent emergency surgery for her injuries. I commend the law enforcement agencies involved for their thorough investigation and quickly apprehending the defendant. The defendant will now be held accountable for his actions.”

The case was investigated by the Spring Valley Police Department with assistance from the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Ramapo Police Department, and Clarkstown Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic and Supervising Assistant District Attorney Nicole Garcia.

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Crime

Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and Consumer Protection Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest in Fraud Case

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1 week ago

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April 28, 2025

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New City, NY — Authorities in Rockland County have arrested a Nyack resident in connection with the use of a fake home improvement license, following a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the County Department of Consumer Protection.

Christian C. Kolarz, 48, faces felony charges of Second-Degree Forgery and Second-Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Investigators allege that Kolarz created and attempted to use a counterfeit Rockland County Home Improvement License to fraudulently secure financing for a construction project.

The forged document came to light thanks to a coordinated effort by the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Consumer Protection investigators. Kolarz was taken into custody on April 18, arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court, and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 12.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the collaboration between agencies, stating, “This joint effort is a prime example of how working together keeps Rockland safe. It sends a strong message: fraud will not be tolerated.”

Sheriff Louis Falco echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting residents from scams. “We’re committed to pursuing those who attempt to take advantage of our community,” he said.

Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn added that the misuse of official county documents is a serious matter. “Let this serve as a warning—we will take action to protect families and businesses from fraud.”

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Crime

Haverstraw Police Department Arrests Pomona Man on Weapon and Drug Charges

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1 week ago

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April 26, 2025

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Haverstraw, NY – April 26, 2025– On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Haverstraw Police Department arrested Michael Diaz, 28, of Pomona, NY, following a report of a male in possession of a firearm.
Responding to the call in Pomona, patrol units located Diaz and, upon investigation, discovered he was in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics.
As a result, Diaz was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree: Loaded Firearm (Class C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree: Narcotic Drug Intent to Sell (Class B Felony), in addition to other narcotics-related charges.
“The swift and professional actions of our officers prevented what could have been a potentially violent encounter. Thanks to their training, tactics, and unwavering commitment to public safety, a loaded firearm and dangerous narcotics were safely removed from our community. Their vigilance and restraint exemplify the highest standards of the Haverstraw Police Department. We are proud of their courage, preparedness, and dedication to protecting the people of Haverstraw” said Chief John Gould Jr.
Diaz was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court where bail was set in the amount of $40,000 cash, $60,000 bond or $75,000 partially secured bond. Diaz was then transported to the Rockland County Correctional Facility.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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