A man possibly connected to the shooting of an off-duty NYPD cop during an apparent robbery attempt over the weekend was taken into custody yesterday afternoon here in Rockland. ABCNews.com reported the 38-year-old man had been hiding out at an area hotel, News12 reported it was the Days Inn in Nanuet. The officer, who lives in Deer Park on Long Island, remains hospitalized after being shot in Brooklyn in the head Saturday night while buying a car. The sale was arranged online through Facebook Marketplace. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Saturday the officer was “fighting for his life” and in critical condition. The suspect reportedly could be facing attempted murder charges back in Brooklyn.
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Power Restored After Cold Winds Bring Down Trees Friday into Saturday
Power company crews worked Friday through the weekend restoring electricity to those who lost it when cold temperatures and high winds hit the area late Friday and early Saturday. Around 11,700 customers were affected by the heavy wind gusts, the majority of them had service restored by Saturday morning. O&R says there were no interruptions in gas service.
Head of Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force Calls on DA to Resign Following Dismissal of Evergreen Case
The head of the Rockland Illegal Housing Task Force wants the District Attorney and his staff, which prosecuted the ill-fated Evergreen Adult Home case that was tossed last week, to resign. Justin Schwartz is also a member of the Spring Valley Fire Department where one of the Evergreen fire victims worked, and he laments that justice isn’t being served…
Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo Thursday dismissed the charges in connection with the 2021 fatal Spring Valley adult home fire against the former village Building Inspector, Wayne Ballard. In a statement to WRCR News, Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh said he believes “sufficient evidence was presented to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Rockland County Judge Kevin Russo disagreed and we will comply with the decision.” On Thursday, Judge Russo dismissed the charges in connection with the 2021 fatal Spring Valley adult home fire against the former village Building Inspector, Wayne Ballard. Two people died in the blaze nearly two years ago, including 35 year-old Spring Valley volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd, and 79 year-old adult home resident, Oliver Hueston. Former fire chief Ray Canario, a former village building inspector, faces the same charges as Ballard. His trial has yet to start. Rabbis Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer still face manslaughter, negligent homicide, arson, assault, and other charges in causing the blaze when they were preparing the home’s kitchen for Passover. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go before Judge Russo on February 14th.
Judge Tosses Charges Against Former Spring Valley Building Inspector in Fatal Evergreen Fire Case
A Rockland County judge yesterday dismissed the charges in connection with the 2021 fatal spring Valley adult home fire against the former village Building Inspector, Wayne Ballard. That’s according to the Journal News. Judge Kevin Russo determined the D-A failed to prove Ballard knowingly provided false information in a state report on the village’s inspections four years ago, or that he tried to defraud the state Department of State. Two people died in the blaze nearly two years ago, including 35 year-old Spring Valley volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd, and 79 year-old adult home resident, Oliver Hueston. Former fire chief Ray Canario, a former village building inspector, faces the same charges as Ballard. His trial has yet to start. Rabbis Nathaniel and Aaron Sommer still face manslaughter, negligent homicide, arson, assault, and other charges in causing the blaze when they were preparing the home’s kitchen for Passover. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to go before Judge Russo on February 14th.
Rockland Sheriff Praises Nanuet Response to Gun Incident at High School, Urges Residents to Remain Vigilant
Staff at Nanuet High School are being praised after a student with a gun was caught before any damage could be done. The student was caught Monday afternoon with a loaded gun. The student was arrested by Clarkstown Police and charged with two gun crimes. Rockland’s sheriff Lou Falco isn’t involved in the investigation, but he says his department and all local police departments are always ready in case cooler heads do not prevail…
The Clarkstown Detective Bureau continues to investigate the incident. There have been no reports of any threats made by the suspect against students or staff.