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Crime

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

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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.

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Crime

Victor Romero Indicted on Second-Degree Murder Charge in Koran Irvine Shooting

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A grand jury in Lower Manhattan indicted former NYPD detective Victor Romero on a second-degree murder charge Tuesday afternoon, upgrading the charge from manslaughter as the investigation into a fatal shooting continues.

Romero, a Haverstraw resident, was seen publicly for the first time Tuesday as he arrived at a Lower Manhattan courthouse in connection with the fatal shooting of Koran Irvine on the George Washington Bridge. He later left the courthouse following a brief court appearance.

The indictment marks a significant development in the case against Romero, who was initially charged with murder before being arraigned last week on a reduced charge of first-degree manslaughter.

Romero posted $1 million bail and remains free while the case proceeds through the court system.

Source: ABC 7 NY

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Crime

Haverstraw Police Officer Run Over During Pursuit; 3 Officers Injured

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October 26, 2026 — Three Haverstraw police officers were injured after a suspect allegedly struck and ran over an officer while fleeing police during a response to a reported attempted break-in on October 23, according to the Haverstraw Police Department.

Police said officers responded to a residence in the Village of Haverstraw at approximately 4:41 p.m. for a report of a disorderly male attempting to break into a residence.

Responding officers located a vehicle matching the description provided. As officers gave the driver verbal commands to exit the vehicle, the suspect allegedly accelerated directly toward an officer, striking and running over the officer before fleeing the scene.

The suspect then led officers on a pursuit southbound along Route 9W into Clarkstown before turning northbound toward Haverstraw, police said.

The pursuit ended after the suspect allegedly crashed into a Haverstraw Police Department vehicle occupied by police personnel. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody.

Three Haverstraw police officers were transported to local hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. The suspect, identified as Isaac Catedral, 24, of Haverstraw, was also transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

According to police, Catedral faces the following charges:

  • Aggravated Attempted Murder
  • Assault in the Second Degree
  • Assault in the Third Degree
  • Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree

Catedral was arraigned on the morning of October 26 in the Village of Haverstraw Justice Court and remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility.

Multiple Agencies Assist

The Haverstraw Police Department received assistance from the Stony Point Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, Clarkstown Police Department, New York State Police, and Ramapo Police Department.

The incident remains a serious reminder of the dangers police officers face while responding to emergency calls and attempting to apprehend suspects.

Legal Notice: A criminal complaint is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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