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Law Enforcement

ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Westchester ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Westchester
ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Westchester Federal immigration agents conducted an operation in Pleasantville on Thursday, Jan. 30, as part of efforts to locate an individual with a criminal warrant, officials announced.   According to a statement from the Village of Pleasantville, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified the Pleasantville Police Department that agents would be operating in the village to apprehend a specific person.  However, local authorities clarified that Pleasantville police were not involved in the warrant service.  Agents were seen operating in the area of Wheeler Avenue in t…
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Westchester, Police Warn Authorities are warning residents in Dutchess, Westchester, and Putnam counties about a recent string of residential burglaries targeting Asian Americans and advising them to step up security measures.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, New York State Police said three burglaries have been reported within the past week, specifically targeting homes of Asian American residents.  In two of the incidents, burglars stole large amounts of cash and jewelry. Investigators believe these crimes follow a targeted pattern. State Police are advising all residents—particularly th…
Ringleader, Gun Maker From Hudson Valley Get Years In Jail In Massive Drug, Firearm Bust Ringleader, Gun Maker From Hudson Valley Get Years In Jail In Massive Drug, Firearm Bust
Ringleader, Gun Maker From Hudson Valley Get Years In Jail In Massive Drug, Firearm Bust A Poughkeepsie man who ran a major drug and firearms trafficking operation in Dutchess County will serve more than a decade behind bars, while his top weapons supplier—who built ghost guns in his home—was sentenced to even more time, authorities announced.  New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed on Wednesday, Jan. 29, that Muayad Qader, 35, of Poughkeepsie, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies for his role in a sprawling narcotics and illegal firearms network. His main supplier, Jason Knapp, a Dutchess County resident who built untrace…
Teens Run From Serious Crash In Westchester: 16-Year-Old Driver Nabbed, Police Say Teens Run From Serious Crash In Westchester: 16-Year-Old Driver Nabbed, Police Say
Teens Run From Serious Crash In Westchester: 16-Year-Old Driver Nabbed, Police Say A 16-year-old driver is facing charges after crashing into another vehicle in Westchester and injuring a woman before running away with several other young passengers, police said.   The crash happened on Monday, Jan. 27, just before 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Fenimore Road and Northup Avenue in Mamaroneck, the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Officers responding to a 911 call found two heavily damaged vehicles and a downed utility pole. A 43-year-old woman from Larchmont was rescued from one of the cars and taken to Westchester Medical …
Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say
Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say A former New York State Police trooper who claimed that a driver shot him, triggering a region-wide manhunt, made the whole thing up, prosecutors alleged. Thomas Mascia, 27, of West Hempstead, surrendered to police Monday morning, Jan. 27, before being arraigned on a count of making a false report and related charges in Nassau County District Court. Mascia initially told colleagues that he was walking toward what he assumed was a disabled vehicle when he heard several shots fired by a “dark-skinned man” on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead shortly before midnight on Oct. 30, 2024…
Man Tries Robbing Bank, Claims To Be Armed In Westchester Man Tries Robbing Bank, Claims To Be Armed In Westchester
Man Tries Robbing Bank, Claims To Be Armed In Westchester A man who tried robbing a bank in Westchester was later apprehended thanks to teamwork from police and the FBI, authorities said. The incident happened in Yonkers at around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, when a male suspect entered the Wells Fargo Bank at 1076 Yonkers Ave., Yonkers Police Sgt. Robert Spink said on Monday, Jan. 27. According to Spink, the suspect passed a note to the teller, claiming he had a weapon and demanding large bills. However, the suspect fled the scene before obtaining any money and before police arrived.  Yonkers Police immediately responded and launched …
Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Carmel Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Carmel
Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Carmel Authorities in a Hudson Valley town are cracking down on illegal activities after receiving reports of a planned ATV and vehicle race on a frozen lake. The Carmel Police Department in Putnam County issued a stern advisory on Friday, Jan. 24, emphasizing that such events are unsanctioned, non-permitted, and prohibited under town regulations.  Police also noted that no frozen body of water in the town has been deemed safe for such use, adding to the potential dangers of the planned event. To prevent the unauthorized activity, the Carmel Police Department will deploy additional officers …
Cops Crackdown On Illegal Parking At School In Westchester: 'Action Will Be Taken' Cops Crackdown On Illegal Parking At School In Westchester: 'Action Will Be Taken'
Cops Crackdown On Illegal Parking At School In Westchester: 'Action Will Be Taken' A police department is warning families that enforcement action will be taken against those who violate parking rules during student pick-up times at a Westchester elementary school.  The advisory, issued by Harrison Police on Wednesday, Jan. 22, highlighted the persistent problem of double parking and queuing on Mathews Street during dismissal times at Harrison Avenue Elementary School.  According to the department, unattended vehicles blocking the road and occupied vehicles stopping in the roadway are causing significant traffic issues. These violations obstruct the no…
Former Cop Convicted Of Killing Westchester Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident' Former Cop Convicted Of Killing Westchester Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident'
Former Cop Convicted Of Killing Westchester Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident' A 38-year-old former Tenafly police officer has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his husband, a retired NYPD officer in 2023 in Sussex County, authorities said. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Joseph Grieco and his husband, John Kelly had returned to their Vernon home from a night out with friends, Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said. Griceo had consumed alcohol at the Vernon VFW earlier that night and continued to drink while at home with Kelly and friends, Murray said. Early the next day, Grieco retrieved his handgun and began to handle it, despite mu…
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal Students could soon go from scrolling to schooling. A bold initiative unveiled by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Jan. 22, would restrict smartphone use in all K-12 schools during the entire school day, including lunch time. The proposal, introduced as part of the governor’s 2026 Executive Budget, aims to prioritize student learning and mental health, Hochul’s office said. “From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. Under the…
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Putnam Authorities are warning residents to stay vigilant following an email scam that cost a Hudson Valley family $40,000.  According to an announcement from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the incident began on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, when the victim received a fraudulent email that appeared to be from PayPal. The email claimed that an account had been opened in the victim’s name with a $400 charge.  The victim called the number provided in the email and unknowingly engaged with a scammer posing as PayPal support. The scammer convinced the victim to grant …
Trump Pardons Westchester Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Trump Pardons Westchester Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
Trump Pardons Westchester Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Days after taking office, President Donald Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentence of more than a thousand people who participated in the deadly riot at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, including a 35-year-old Hudson Valley man who had been convicted of felony charges.  The conviction of White Plains resident William Pepe, formerly of the Dutchess County city of Beacon, was overturned by an executive order signed by Trump on Monday, Jan. 20. Pepe had previously been found guilty of charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6 breach in October 2024. According to federa…
Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration
Police Officers From Westchester Were At DC To Help With Safety Efforts At Trump Inauguration A police department in Westchester lent several of its officers to help with safety efforts at President Donald Trump's inauguration.  Yonkers Police officers traveled to Washington, DC, to provide mutual aid and assist with safety efforts during the Trump inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, the department announced. "Honored to represent Yonkers in our nation's capital!" the department wrote in a social media post.  The officers were among a large contingent of law enforcement personnel from across the nation tasked with maintaining public safety and helping manage the influx of vi…
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy Federal immigration authorities now have the ability to arrest individuals in and around  schools and churches — areas previously considered sensitive.  This new policy change involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, announced on the second day of the new Trump Administration on Tuesday, Jan/ 21 by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman and represents a significant shift from long-standing guidelines. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," Huffman said in a statement. "The Trump Administration …
Man Who Tried Killing Off-Duty Officer By Parkway In Westchester Gets Years In Prison Man Who Tried Killing Off-Duty Officer By Parkway In Westchester Gets Years In Prison
Man Who Tried Killing Off-Duty Officer By Parkway In Westchester Gets Years In Prison A 31-year-old man will spend years in prison for trying to murder an off-duty police officer in a brazen daylight shooting next to a parkway in Westchester, officials announced. Bryan Martinez, 31, of Port Chester, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the attempted murder of an off-duty New York City Police officer in Yonkers in November 2023, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Jan. 17.  According to the DA's Office, on Nov. 14, 2023, Martinez stalked and followed the victim’s car over a personal grievance. At a traffic li…
Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors
Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors For the first time in 40 years, a presidential inauguration will be held indoors. Extremely cold temperatures forecast for Monday, Jan. 20 in Washington, DC have resulted in the change. President-elect Donald Trump announced the move in a social media post at noon Friday, Jan. 17, saying, "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.  "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours…
Trio In Stolen Maserati Lead Police On High-Speed Chase In North Salem: 2 At Large, Police Say Trio In Stolen Maserati Lead Police On High-Speed Chase In North Salem: 2 At Large, Police Say
Trio In Stolen Maserati Lead Police On High-Speed Chase In North Salem: 2 At Large, Police Say A high-speed chase involving a stolen luxury car in Northern Westchester ended with one arrest of a Fairfield County man and an ongoing search for two suspects, police announced.  The incident began around 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, when troopers tried to stop a 2018 Maserati reported stolen from Connecticut that was speeding on Interstate 684 North in Bedford, New York State Police said on Tuesday, Jan. 14.  The Maserati refused to stop and exited the highway at Exit 6A, heading onto Route 22 in North Salem. Due to the reckless operation of the car, troopers discontinu…
Westchester Sergeant Admits Using Excessive Force In Mental Health Crisis Response: Feds Westchester Sergeant Admits Using Excessive Force In Mental Health Crisis Response: Feds
Westchester Sergeant Admits Using Excessive Force In Mental Health Crisis Response: Feds A former sergeant with the Mount Vernon Police Department has admitted to violating constitutional rights by using excessive force during a mental health crisis call, federal officials announced.  Brooklyn resident Mario Stewart, age 46, admitted in federal court to deploying his taser-like-device seven times within two minutes against a handcuffed individual during an incident on March 26, 2019, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Friday, Jan. 10.  According to officials, on the day of the incident, Stewart and six other Mount Vernon o…
Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade
Westchester K9 Hangs Up Her Leash After Sniffing Out Justice For Decade After more than a decade of dedicated service, a Westchester County Police K9 has officially retired.  K9 Madison, known for her exceptional tracking abilities, was honored on Wednesday, Jan. 8, her final day with the department.  Madison and her handler, Sgt. Hicks, have been instrumental in countless cases over the years, tracking fleeing suspects and locating lost or missing persons, the department announced on Wednesday.  Originally from Blount County, Tennessee, Madison joined the department as an 8-month-old pup. She quickly excelled in her initial 10 weeks of training…
Putnam Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim Gets Years In Prison Putnam Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim Gets Years In Prison
Putnam Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim Gets Years In Prison A former Putnam County anesthesiologist will spend years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing and assaulting a victim, officials announced.  Paul Giacopelli, a Southeast resident and former chief anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital, was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to four years in state prison, according to the Putnam County District Attorney's Office.  Giacopelli's sentencing follows his guilty plea on Aug. 21, 2024, to charges stemming from an incident in which he used a chemical substance to render his victim unconscious before sexually abusing her. Th…
AI-Enhanced 'Virtual Kidnapping' Scam Targets Peekskill Families: Superintendent AI-Enhanced 'Virtual Kidnapping' Scam Targets Peekskill Families: Superintendent
Ai-enhanced 'Virtual Kidnapping' Scam Targets Peekskill Families: Superintendent A Northern Westchester school district is alerting families after two local households received virtual extortion calls involving scammers who claimed to have kidnapped loved ones.  In a letter to families on Wednesday, Jan. 8, Peekskill City School District Superintendent David Mauricio said two households received "Virtual Kidnapping Extortion Calls," a sophisticated scam where perpetrators falsely claim to have kidnapped a loved one and demand ransom payments.  Using artificial intelligence (AI), these scammers are now replicating family members' voices to make the threats…
Fourth Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Shooting Of 22-Year-Old In Westchester (UPDATE) Fourth Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Shooting Of 22-Year-Old In Westchester (UPDATE)
Fourth Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Shooting Of 22-Year-Old In Westchester (Update) A fourth suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Mount Vernon man at a public housing complex in New Rochelle, police announced.  Ali Mohammed, age 21, of Mount Vernon, was taken into custody on Wednesday, Jan. 8, after turning himself in with the assistance of community members, according to the New Rochelle Police Department.  Mohammed is accused of being the gunman in the fatal shooting of David Smith, which occurred at the Heritage Homes complex on Rhoda Quash Lane on Monday, Jan. 6, around 10:45 a.m. Smith was found by police sufferi…
Carmel HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase: Suspect In Custody Carmel HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase: Suspect In Custody
Carmel HS Put Into Lockdown During Police Chase: Suspect In Custody A vehicle pursuit that began on Interstate 84 led to a temporary hold-in-place at a Hudson Valley high school as a precautionary measure and also resulted in the arrest of an Orange County man. The incident started around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 when a man was reported to be on the highway on I-84 West near I-684 trying to stop cars. When a Sheriff's Deputy and a New York State Trooper arrived at the location, the man got in a vehicle parked nearby and began driving away, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.  The man, 34-year-old New Windsor resident Ian Assad …
Former Northern Westchester Police Officer Edward Patane Dies At 75 Former Northern Westchester Police Officer Edward Patane Dies At 75
Former Northern Westchester Police Officer Edward Patane Dies At 75 A Northern Westchester police department mourning the loss of retired Patrolman Edward Patane, a former officer who served the public for more than two decades.  Patane, a former officer with the North Castle Police Department, died on Monday, Dec. 30 at the age of 75, according to his obituary.  The North Castle Police Department announced the loss in a post on social media on Monday, Jan. 6, saying that the former officer was a longtime Armonk resident.  According to the department and his obituary, Patane served North Castle for 21 years beginning in April 1971 before his…
'Combative' Person Trespasses On Mahopac Middle School Campus: Police 'Combative' Person Trespasses On Mahopac Middle School Campus: Police
'Combative' Person Trespasses On Mahopac Middle School Campus: Police A person was arrested for trespassing on the grounds of a Putnam County middle school after refusing to leave and becoming combative, authorities said.  The incident happened on Monday, Jan. 6, around 9:20 a.m., at Mahopac Middle School, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. The individual was observed by the school’s Resource Officer (SRO) on the campus and was approached for questioning. The man refused to provide a legitimate reason for being on the property and declined to leave, officials said.  As the SRO attempted to gather more information, the individual becam…
22-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting: Suspect At Large 22-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting: Suspect At Large
22-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting: Suspect At Large A 22-year-old man was fatally shot at a public housing complex in Westchester, prompting an active investigation, police announced.  New, updated report - ID Released Of 22-Year-Old Killed In Westchester Shooting: Suspects Caught, Police Say (UPDATE) The shooting happened on the morning of Monday, Jan. 6, at the Heritage Homes complex on the block between Horton and Lincoln Avenues and Brook Street to Dewitt Avenue, according to New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne.   Officers found the victim, a Mount Vernon resident, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Poli…
Hours-Long Standoff In Westchester Involves Barricaded Person: Police Hours-Long Standoff In Westchester Involves Barricaded Person: Police
Hours-Long Standoff In Westchester Involves Barricaded Person: Police An emotionally distressing incident in Port Chester involving a barricaded individual ended peacefully thanks to police and first responders.  The incident began around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4 at a home on North Regent Street in Port Chester, when police were called to the scene after reports of an individual barricading themselves inside, according to the Port Chester Police Department,  Officers quickly began working to ensure the safety of all people both inside and outside the residence, the department said.  After several hours of negotiations, the situa…
Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day
Deaths Of Former Police Commissioner, Current Sergeant In Westchester Announced On Same Day A police department in Westchester is mourning both its former commissioner and a sergeant whose deaths were announced on the same day. The deaths of former Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott and Sergeant Murashea Bovell were announced by the department on Wednesday, Jan. 1.  The department did not release more information about their causes of death. Mount Vernon Director of Communications Tim Allen also did not release more information on Thursday, Jan. 2.  Scott retired from his position as Commissioner in May 2023 after three years on the job. Du…
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver 42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver This story has been updated. An Army veteran has been identified as the man authorities say rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans early on New Year's Day morning, leaving 15 people dead and injuring approximately 35 others. Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, age 42, who was killed in a shootout with police officers after the incident at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 on Bourbon Street, was a US citizen born in Texas, where he lived at the time of the incident, the FBI said. The Ford truck, rented through an auto sharing company, displayed an ISIS flag on the tr…
New Findings Clear Man In Decades-Old Westchester Murders, Point To Other Involvement: DA New Findings Clear Man In Decades-Old Westchester Murders, Point To Other Involvement: DA
New Findings Clear Man In Decades-Old Westchester Murders, Point To Other Involvement: DA A groundbreaking investigation has identified two new suspects in a 1996 double homicide in Westchester, clearing a man previously charged in the case, officials said. In an announcement on Monday, Dec. 30, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office said that its Conviction Review Unit identified two new suspects in the November 1996 double homicide of 79-year-old Archie Harris and 35-year-old Betty Ramcharan at Harris’s Eastchester home.  Harris, a millionaire, and Ramcharan, his home health aide, were both killed at Harris's mansion.  Follow…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…