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Westchester County, NY

Longtime Westchester Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service Longtime Westchester Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service
Longtime Westchester Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service A brave Hudson Valley first responder and FDNY EMS hero who raced to the World Trade Center on 9/11 has died.  John “Jackie” Sullivan, a 36-year volunteer firefighter in both the Rockland County village of Spring Valley and the Westchester County town of Yorktown, died on Wednesday, July 9, at the age of 67, the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department announced.  Sullivan, a Navy veteran, served for 12 years as a flight engineer before embarking on a 31-year career in New York City Emergency Medical Services, eventually rising to the rank of Deputy Chief at FDNY EMS in addition…
'Hate! Him!' Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former CT Home 'Hate! Him!' Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former CT Home
'Hate! Him!' Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former CT Home "Pretty Woman" star Richard Gere's decision to sell his Connecticut estate that once belonged to famed singer-songwriter Paul Simon has irked Simon's daughter enough to wish a curse upon him. Why such vitriol from the 30-year-old daughter of one half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel? According to an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, July 8, by Lulu Simon, Gere promised to "take care of the land as condition of his purchase."  This was particularly important to Simon, who has followed her dad into the music business, as her childhood pets are buried on the 32-acre property, l…
Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Westchester: DA Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Westchester: DA
Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Westchester: DA A Westchester man has been indicted on multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting his former partner and one of their children while violating an active order of protection, prosecutors announced. Tairon Drake, age 30, was arraigned Tuesday, July 8, in Westchester County Court on charges stemming from a violent domestic incident at his Yonkers home, Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Thursday, July 10.  Prosecutors allege that on May 1, 2025, Drake placed both hands around his ex-partner’s neck and threatened to kill her, all in front of their two children.…
'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In Westchester, DA Says 'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In Westchester, DA Says
'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In Westchester, DA Says A Westchester man previously charged in connection with the dumping of a 15-year-old boy’s body has now been indicted on new charges involving the repeated sexual abuse of the teen, prosecutors announced.  Hugo Horacio Perez-Gabriel, age 32, of New Rochelle, was indicted on multiple new charges, including third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sexual act, tampering with physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree sexual abuse, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said Wednesday, July 9.  He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tue…
Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches
Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches Multiple beaches in Westchester County were closed Wednesday, July 9, due to potential bacterial contamination following recent rainfall, health officials announced. The Westchester County Health Department said 0.67 inches of rain fell over the past 24 hours, prompting a preemptive closure of beaches in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Rye on Wednesday.  The following locations are affected: New Rochelle: Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Beach Club, Greentree Country Club, and Surf Club on the Sound; Mamaroneck: Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club, and&n…
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report Despite higher mortgage rates and tight inventory, the real estate market across Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties showed continued strength in the second quarter of 2025, according to a new report from Houlihan Lawrence. In Westchester County, luxury homes priced above $2 million remained in high demand, especially in towns with strong transportation access and updated interiors. Many well-priced properties attracted multiple offers, and buyers continued to act quickly, the brokerage said in its new Houlihan Lawrence Q2 2025 Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Market Report…
2 Struck In Hit-Run In Westchester: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say 2 Struck In Hit-Run In Westchester: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say
2 Struck In Hit-Run In Westchester: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say Two people were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Westchester County after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, police said.  The incident happened around 3:05 p.m. on Monday, July 7, when the pedestrians were walking westbound on School Street in North Castle and crossing at the intersection with Wampus Avenue, the North Castle Police Department said in an announcement on Tuesday, July 8.  Police said the two were hit by a white or silver Lexus that had been traveling northbound on Wampus Avenue. The driver, described as a woman, did not stop after the crash.  Bot…
Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester
Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester The wait is finally over — and fans of a classic fast-food favorite in Westchester County can rejoice. After nearly a decade of clamoring from customers nationwide, McDonald’s is officially bringing back its beloved Snack Wrap to menus across the country, including right here in Westchester County.  The item, which was discontinued in 2016, makes its long-anticipated return on Wednesday, July 10, at participating locations — and this time, McDonald’s says, it’s here to stay.  Driven by relentless fan demand through social media, petitions, and loyal nostalgia, the Snack Wrap revi…
Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Westchester, Rescued Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Westchester, Rescued
Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Westchester, Rescued A Peregrine falcon found injured and unable to fly along the shore of a Westchester County reservoir is back in the wild, thanks to the quick response of a state environmental officer and a local wildlife rehabilitator.  The falcon was discovered on Tuesday, June 17, on a rock near the shoreline of the Kensico Reservoir in the town of Harrison, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on Thursday, July 3.  An Environmental Conservation Officer responded to the report and found the bird alert but grounded. Although no visible injuries were observed, the offi…
Westchester Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work' Westchester Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work'
Westchester Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work' A heartbroken family is asking for the community’s help after the sudden death of a hardworking Westchester County husband and father who died of a massive heart attack at just 52 years old. Lush Lumaj, a devoted father of two from Mount Pleasant, died on Sunday, June 29, after suffering an unexpected and fatal heart attack, according to a GoFundMe launched by his niece, Julie (Xhuljana) Bacaj.  "Lush’s passing was completely unexpected. He was active, strong, and never missed a day’s work," Bacaj wrote. Born in Vermosh, Albania, Lumaj was remembered as a hardworking man who embo…
$13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says $13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says
$13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says Several New York medical transport companies, including some in the Hudson Valley and New York’s Capital Region, are being forced to pay back millions of dollars after a sweeping Medicaid fraud investigation by the state, officials announced.   The enforcement effort, revealed Monday, June 30, targeted 25 companies across the state, including businesses in Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia, Albany, and Saratoga counties. Sixteen companies have agreed to repay over $13 million in stolen Medicaid funds, and seven others are now facing lawsuits, New York Attorney General Letitia…
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful' Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful'
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful' Westchester County is mourning the loss of local legend Herman S. Geist, a World War II hero, legal trailblazer, and the first-ever Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who died at age 100.  Geist, an important figure in Westchester County public service, died on Saturday, June 28, according to his obituary.  Born on April 5, 1925, Geist lived an extraordinary century — a life defined, Westchester County officials say, by integrity, leadership, and a relentless commitment to community.  From the frontlines of World War II, where he served as a US Army lie…
Man Struck, Killed By Yankee Clipper Train In White Plains: Police Investigating Man Struck, Killed By Yankee Clipper Train In White Plains: Police Investigating
Man Struck, Killed By Yankee Clipper Train In White Plains: Police Investigating A 42-year-old man was struck and killed by a Metro-North train on its way to Yankee Stadium in Westchester County, authorities said.  The incident happened just before 11:30 a.m., when Metro-North Train 7620, which was traveling from the Putnam County town of Southeast to Yankee Stadium, was entering the White Plains station and struck the man, who was on the tracks without authorization, the MTA Police Department said on Monday, June 30.  The victim, identified as Alexander Newman of North Kensico Avenue in White Plains, was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS at 11:45 a.m. No pa…
WATCH: DJ Khaled Surprises High School Grads In Westchester, Says 'Make Your Dreams Live' WATCH: DJ Khaled Surprises High School Grads In Westchester, Says 'Make Your Dreams Live'
Watch: DJ Khaled Surprises High School Grads In Westchester, Says 'Make Your Dreams Live' Graduating seniors at a Westchester County high school got a major surprise this week during their commencement ceremony, when music mogul DJ Khaled made a special guest appearance.  The Grammy-winning producer delivered an impromptu speech at New Rochelle High School's ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, where he was celebrating his nephew, Cyrus, who was among the Class of 2025.  “I want to say congratulations to all of y’all,” DJ Khaled told the crowd, as captured in an Instagram reel shared on his official account, also adding to his nephew, “Cyrus has this god energy, you got tha…
Man Jailed After Being Caught With Loaded Gun On I-87 In Westchester: NYSP Man Jailed After Being Caught With Loaded Gun On I-87 In Westchester: NYSP
Man Jailed After Being Caught With Loaded Gun On I-87 In Westchester: Nysp A Bronx man is behind bars after police say they found him with a loaded firearm during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Westchester County.  The arrest happened around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, when troopers stopped a gray 2021 Hyundai Elantra for vehicle and traffic violations on Interstate 87 in Yonkers, New York State Police said on Friday, June 27.  During the stop, police suspected the driver might be impaired and began checking the car. Instead of finding drugs or alcohol, they allegedly discovered a loaded Taurus G2C 9mm handgun and a large-capacity maga…
Jet Ski Theft: Man Arrested, Second Suspect At Large In Westchester, Police Say Jet Ski Theft: Man Arrested, Second Suspect At Large In Westchester, Police Say
Jet Ski Theft: Man Arrested, Second Suspect At Large In Westchester, Police Say Authorities in Westchester County have made an arrest in connection with the theft of two jet skis and a trailer and are now asking for the public’s help identifying a second suspect. The theft happened on Saturday, February 15, in the area of Brook Street in Croton-on-Hudson, the village's police department said in an announcement on Thursday, June 26.  Following an investigation, police arrested Kameron Hairston, 32, of New Rochelle, and charged him with grand larceny in the third degree.  However, detectives believe another person was involved in the theft and are asking …
Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish
Sudden Death Of Religious Educator’s Brother Sparks Grief in Tight-Knit Westchester Parish A tight-knit parish in Westchester County is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Ian Richards, a graduate student, poet, and artist remembered for his gentleness, creativity, and deep empathy.  Richards, the younger brother of Kevin Richards, Director of Religious Education at St. Theresa’s Parish in Briarcliff Manor, died unexpectedly in a swimming accident in Maryland on Saturday, June 21, according to a newly launched GoFundMe organized on behalf of his grieving family.   The fundraiser, which had raised more than $14,000 as of Wednesday, June 25, aims to help hi…
Man Driving Drunk With Kids In SUV Stopped On I-87 In Westchester: Police Man Driving Drunk With Kids In SUV Stopped On I-87 In Westchester: Police
Man Driving Drunk With Kids In SUV Stopped On I-87 In Westchester: Police A Pennsylvania man was arrested for driving drunk with two children in his car on a Hudson Valley, NY highway, police said.   The arrest happened in Westchester County around 11:22 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, when troopers on patrol pulled over a 2022 Toyota Highlander that was failing to stay in its lane while traveling northbound on Interstate 87 in Greenburgh, New York State Police announced on Tuesday, June 24.  The driver, identified as Santiago Ramirez Canela, age 46, of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, showed signs of impairment during the traffic stop and failed several field s…
Woman Killed, 3 Firefighters Injured In Overnight Blaze At Eastchester Home Woman Killed, 3 Firefighters Injured In Overnight Blaze At Eastchester Home
Woman Killed, 3 Firefighters Injured In Overnight Blaze At Eastchester Home An early morning house fire in Westchester County claimed the life of an elderly woman and left three firefighters injured. The two-alarm blaze broke out around 2:25 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at a two-story home located on Park Avenue in Eastchester, according to the Eastchester Fire District. Initially dispatched to a different address, firefighters arrived to find a fully involved house fire and immediately launched an interior attack. They were hindered by heavy clutter in the home, which made it difficult to stretch hose lines and search for victims, fire officials said. Firefighters ev…
Gas Station Pumps Out Jackpot in $31K White Plains Lotto Win: Here's Where It Was Sold Gas Station Pumps Out Jackpot in $31K White Plains Lotto Win: Here's Where It Was Sold
Gas Station Pumps Out Jackpot in $31K White Plains Lotto Win: Here's Where It Was Sold For one visitor to a Westchester County gas station, the real fuel came in the form of cold, hard cash.  The lucky lottery player is $31,824.50 richer after purchasing a winning Take 5 Evening ticket from a Lukoil gas station located at 268 Tarrytown Rd. in White Plains, according to the New York Lottery.  The ticket hit the top prize in the Tuesday, June 17 drawing, lottery officials said.   The winning numbers were 5 12 13 15 32.  The Take 5 game draws numbers twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., with players picking five numbers from a pool of one through 3…
City Worker Seriously Injured While Trimming Tree In Westchester City Worker Seriously Injured While Trimming Tree In Westchester
City Worker Seriously Injured While Trimming Tree In Westchester A city employee in Westchester County was seriously injured Tuesday morning, June 17 while performing tree trimming duties.  The incident happened in Mount Vernon at around 9:45 a.m. near the intersection of 5th Avenue and 5th Street, where emergency personnel responded immediately after the worker was hurt, Mount Vernon Director of Communications Timothy Allen said.  The employee was quickly rushed from the scene and is now receiving medical treatment, though the city did not provide details about the nature or extent of the injuries. City officials said that an investigati…
Man Caught After Doing Donuts On Rec Center Lawn In Westchester: Police Man Caught After Doing Donuts On Rec Center Lawn In Westchester: Police
Man Caught After Doing Donuts On Rec Center Lawn In Westchester: Police A 45-year-old man was arrested over the weekend after allegedly tearing up the lawn at a Westchester County recreation center by doing donuts with his vehicle, police said. The incident happened around 6:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, when Rye Police received multiple calls about a black Hummer H3 spinning out on the grass in front of the main building at 281 Midland Ave., the City of Rye Police Department announced on Sunday, June 15.  Responding officers found the vehicle and investigated the damage caused to the grounds. The driver, identified as James D. Wilson, age 45, of New Roche…
'I Hope You Die': Attorney Sent Westchester Judge Threatening Messages, DA Says 'I Hope You Die': Attorney Sent Westchester Judge Threatening Messages, DA Says
'I Hope You Die': Attorney Sent Westchester Judge Threatening Messages, DA Says An attorney accused of sending threatening messages to a Westchester County judge overseeing his court cases has been arrested and accused of sending her disturbing messages, prosecutors announced. Yonkers resident Nicholas Leo, age 57, was arraigned Friday, June 13, in White Plains City Court on a felony charge stemming from a series of hostile electronic communications directed at Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Susan M. Capeci, who presides over Westchester’s Integrated Domestic Violence Court, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced.  Leo, a register…
Dog Found Dead In Garbage Bag With Wounds In Westchester: Police Investigating Dog Found Dead In Garbage Bag With Wounds In Westchester: Police Investigating
Dog Found Dead In Garbage Bag With Wounds In Westchester: Police Investigating Authorities in Westchester County are investigating the suspicious death of a dog found dumped in a contractor-style garbage bag near a public lake, police said.  The grim discovery was made around 4:23 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, near Glenwood Lake and Gloucester Place in New Rochelle, the New Rochelle Police Department announced on Friday, June 13.  Responding officers found the body of a large brown Pitbull inside a torn trash bag left by the roadside. A local resident told police they had noticed the bag intact the previous day but did not look inside. When the bag appeared rip…
Firefighter Slammed Ex To Floor, Hit Her In Head In Their Westchester Apartment: DA Firefighter Slammed Ex To Floor, Hit Her In Head In Their Westchester Apartment: DA
Firefighter Slammed Ex To Floor, Hit Her In Head In Their Westchester Apartment: DA A Westchester firefighter has been convicted of assaulting his then-girlfriend during a violent domestic attack in their shared apartment, prosecutors announced.  Joseph Apostoli, age 46, a member of the Fairview Fire Department, was found guilty on Wednesday, June 11, of two counts of third-degree assault, both class A misdemeanors, following a non-jury trial, the Westchester County DA's Office said.  The conviction stems from an incident on April 11, 2024, when Apostoli slammed the victim to the floor of their bedroom during a dispute, then carried her into the living room and t…
Bullet Fragment Found Inside High School In Westchester, Prompts Police Search Bullet Fragment Found Inside High School In Westchester, Prompts Police Search
Bullet Fragment Found Inside High School In Westchester, Prompts Police Search A bullet fragment found inside a Westchester County high school triggered a police response and search of the building, district officials said. The incident happened Monday, June 9, when a Peekskill High School staff member discovered what appeared to be part of a bullet inside the building and reported it to school security, according to a letter sent to families by Peekskill City School District Superintendent David Mauricio.  School officials quickly alerted Peekskill Police, who responded and confirmed the object was not a complete bullet. There was no evidence of a firearm in the…
Teen Cut In Fight Near High School In Westchester, Flees Inside Building: Police Teen Cut In Fight Near High School In Westchester, Flees Inside Building: Police
Teen Cut In Fight Near High School In Westchester, Flees Inside Building: Police A student was hospitalized after being cut during a fight near a bus stop just steps from a Westchester County high school, authorities said. The incident happened just before 2 p.m. on Monday, June 9, when Yonkers Police responded to Riverside High School on a report of a student with a laceration to his side, according to Sgt. Robert Spink.  Officers arrived to find the student already inside the school, where staff had called for help. First responders provided immediate medical care, and the student was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. …
Fight Erupts In Gunfire In Busy Healthcare Hub In Westchester: Man, 34, Charged, Police Say Fight Erupts In Gunfire In Busy Healthcare Hub In Westchester: Man, 34, Charged, Police Say
Fight Erupts In Gunfire In Busy Healthcare Hub In Westchester: Man, 34, Charged, Police Say A 34-year-old man was arrested after allegedly firing a gun at a victim during a dispute near a busy medical corridor in Westchester, police said.  The incident happened just after 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, outside an office building at 944 North Broadway in Yonkers, the city's police department said on Saturday, June 7.  According to police, the gunfire stemmed from a fight between two men inside a nearby office building that spilled out onto the street. One of the men allegedly pulled a gun and fired about three shots at the other before fleeing. Responding officers found se…
'Violent, Young' Teen Gets Murder Charge In Fatal New Year's Shooting In Westchester: DA 'Violent, Young' Teen Gets Murder Charge In Fatal New Year's Shooting In Westchester: DA
'Violent, Young' Teen Gets Murder Charge In Fatal New Year's Shooting In Westchester: DA A 17-year-old has been indicted for murder, attempted murder, and multiple weapons charges in connection with two separate shootings in Westchester, prosecutors announced. The indictment was announced Friday, June 6, by Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, who said the teen was 16 at the time of the alleged crimes and is now being prosecuted as an adolescent offender.  According to the DA, the teen, whose name was not made public, is charged with second-degree murder for the New Year’s Day shooting death of Omar Bonilla near Locust Hill Avenue and Lafayette Place in Yonke…
White Plains Teen Charged In $100K Lighthouse Arson Spree In Westchester (UPDATE) White Plains Teen Charged In $100K Lighthouse Arson Spree In Westchester (UPDATE)
White Plains Teen Charged In $100K Lighthouse Arson Spree In Westchester (Update) This story has been updated.  Four teens have been charged and a fourth is being sought after a weekend arson and vandalism spree caused heavy damage to the historic Tarrytown Lighthouse in Westchester County, police said.  The arrests were announced Friday, June 6, by Westchester County Police, who said two suspects—Elvin Ayavaca, 18, of White Plains, and Richard Barrero, 19, of Harrison—were arraigned in Sleepy Hollow Village Court.  Each is charged with three felonies: third-degree arson, third-degree burglary, and second-degree criminal mischief.  A third suspect, …
Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Westchester: NYSDEC Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Westchester: NYSDEC
Hunter Caught Illegally Catching Snapping Turtles At Reservoir In Westchester: Nysdec A person was caught with live snapping turtles at a Westchester County reservoir after a police investigation revealed they had been illegally catching the animals, officials said. According to officials, the incident happened on the night of Saturday, May 3, when New York State Environmental Conservation Police received a call from the Somers Police Department about a suspicious group shining a spotlight into the woods while on the Muscoot Reservoir in a rowboat, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced on Thursday, June 5.  After arriving at the scene, an…