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Tragedy in Spring Valley: Four-Year-Old Killed, Three Others Injured in Suspected DWI Crash on Old Nyack Turnpike

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1 year ago

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SPRING VALLEY, NY — A devastating crash in Village of Spring Valley has claimed the life of a four-year-old girl and left three others — including two young children — seriously injured after they were struck by a vehicle while walking on the sidewalk. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, June 14, around 9:20 PM, near 142 Old Nyack Turnpike, as families were leaving a nearby park.

According to the Spring Valley Police Department, officers responded to a call reporting a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, Ramapo Police and emergency medical personnel were already on the scene providing aid. The investigation determined that multiple pedestrians were struck on the sidewalk by a car that later became disabled nearby, with the driver still wedged inside the vehicle when authorities arrived.

Four victims — a two-year-old boy, a five-year-old boy, a 31-year-old man, and a four-year-old girl — were rushed to Westchester Medical Center with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. Tragically, despite emergency medical efforts, the four-year-old girl succumbed to her injuries several hours later. The Monsey Scoop has identified her as the daughter of Spring Valley Trustee Sruly Eisenbach.

The driver, identified as 41-year-old Axel Lopez-Santiago of Spring Valley, was also injured and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. A preliminary investigation indicated that Lopez-Santiago was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Following the investigation, Lopez-Santiago was arrested and charged with the following:

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Penal Law 125.14(3)) — with a prior DWI conviction

Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Penal Law 125.14(5)) — causing one death and serious injury to at least one other

Vehicular Assault in the First Degree (Penal Law 120.04(3))

Reckless Driving (VTL 1212)

Driving While Intoxicated (VTL 1192(3))

He was arraigned on Sunday, June 15 at 2:00 PM in Spring Valley Justice Court before Judge Mellion and held on $750,000 cash bail.

Photo by Ramapo Buffs.

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Crime

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

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1 week ago

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October 27, 2026

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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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1 week ago

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October 26, 2026

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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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