Crime

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

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2024

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.

Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

Published

7 days ago

May 21, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

Over the past 24 hours, Ramapo Police Officers have remained hard at work, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and actively engaging with our community. Here’s a look at the highlights from another demanding day in public safety.

Traffic Enforcement & Public Safety

Our continued efforts to maintain roadway safety led to several enforcement actions:

Three motorists were cited for operating vehicles with suspended registrations.
Three drivers were stopped and cited for driving with suspended licenses.

These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe for all.

Arrests and Enforcement Actions

Officers made several arrests in connection with a variety of incidents:

Two individuals were taken into custody on active warrants. Both were later released on their own recognizance.
One arrest was made in a domestic incident for violating an Order of Protection. The individual was also released on recognizance.
An additional arrest was made for an open container violation, a part of our continued focus on quality-of-life enforcement throughout the Town of Ramapo.

Major Incident: Armed Robbery

A significant and violent incident occurred involving an armed robbery at the end of a residential driveway. During the altercation, the victim was pistol-whipped as they attempted to retain possession of a firearm. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with a substantial amount of cash. The victim sustained injuries and was treated at the scene.

Ramapo Police Officers and Detectives responded immediately and initiated a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police . Through coordinated efforts, a suspect was identified and located within hours.

A 42-year-old male from Middletown, NY was taken into custody and formally charged with:

Robbery in the First Degree
Assault in the Second Degree
Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree
Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree
Menacing in the Second Degree

The suspect is currently being processed at Ramapo Police Headquarters. Arraignment is expected later today at Hillburn Justice Court.

Our officers remain dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Ramapo. We thank the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Ramapo Police Department

Crime

Spring Valley Police Arrest Taxi Driver in Violent Kidnapping and Robbery Incident on Ridge Avenue

Published

2 weeks ago

May 16, 2025

Rockland Report Editor

SPRING VALLEY, NY — In a disturbing early morning incident, Spring Valley Police responded to a report of a vehicle crash at approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 5, 2025, near 23 Ridge Avenue, only to uncover a far more serious crime involving kidnapping, assault, and attempted robbery.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a visibly injured and distressed female victim. Following a rapid investigation, authorities determined that the woman had been picked up earlier near Evergreen Supermarket by what she believed to be a taxi. During the ride, the driver began operating the vehicle erratically, refused to allow the passenger to exit, and escalated the situation into a violent criminal act.

The vehicle ultimately crashed into a fence, and the driver then attacked the victim with a screwdriver, attempting to rob her and preventing her from escaping. Despite the violent assault, the victim managed to flee the vehicle and call for help.

As the suspect attempted to flee the scene, he nearly collided head-on with another vehicle. Shortly thereafter, he was apprehended by the Ramapo Police Department.
Suspect Identified and Arrested

Following a thorough investigation by the Spring Valley Detective Bureau, 22-year-old Kevin Mazariego-Figueroa of Ramapo, NY was formally charged on May 7, 2025, with multiple serious offenses, including:

Attempted Assault (1st and 2nd Degree)

Kidnapping

Robbery (1st Degree)

Strangulation (2nd Degree)

Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree)

Mazariego-Figueroa was arraigned by Judge Sweet and remanded to the Rockland County Jail.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigation

The Spring Valley Police Department commended the bravery of the victim and the swift coordination with Ramapo Police in apprehending the suspect. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring public safety.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when using ride services and to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.