An Irvington, New Jersey, man has been arrested and charged with 2nd degree Manslaughter exactly one year after a fatal accident he’s accused by Police of causing on the Palisades Parkway in Clarkstown. New York State Police say on April 13, 2023, 20 year-old Valentino Merceda was speeding in a BMW southbound near exit 10 when he and the driver of another car, 20 year-old Cyrus Silverio, of Clifton, New Jersey, attempted to pass a Nissan Rogue and merge into the right lane at the same time. Silverio and Merceda collided, causing Silverio to hit the Rogue, then a rock bridge abutment as he came off the exit 10 ramp onto the Parkway. Silverio’s car overturned and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Merceda was arraigned in Clarkstown Court and sent to the Rockland County Jail. Bail was set at $5,000 cash or $20,000 secured bond.
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Governor Announces “Conceptual Agreement” on $237 Billion 2025 Fiscal Year Budget
New York’s governor yesterday announced what she called a “conceptual agreement” on the $237 billion 2025 fiscal year budget that includes plans for new housing construction, addresses the migrant situation and crack down on illegal marijuana shops. In a surprise speech late yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul said the budget reflects needs now and in the future. On education, Hochul said the foundation aid formula for schools, including the “hold harmless” provision, would be studied and adjusted…
Other highlights in the governor’s budget announcement yesterday, creating a statewide tax incentive for multi-family housing; making $650 million in discretionary funds exclusively available to Pro-Housing Communities; providing incentives for communities that want more accessory dwelling units; there would be new efforts to fight toll evasion on the roads and fare evasion in the subways; the expansion of Medicare coverage for seniors and the establishment of “Empire AI,” a consortium to create and launch a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center in Buffalo for New York colleges and universities to use and put the state at the technology’s forefront to advance AI for the public good. The Senate and Assembly still need to approve the budget before it goes into effect.
Rocklanders Warned by FBI of a “Potential Coordinated Attack” in the United States
Rockland municipalities and law enforcement agencies were put on alert Friday after the FBI warned of concerns about a “potential coordinated attack” in the United States. The concern follows an attack by ISIS at the Russia Concert Hall a few weeks ago. 144 people were killed and more than 500 injured when four armed gunmen stormed a Russian concert hall and opened fire before setting fire to the building. It was the deadliest attack in Russia in two decades.
New City Man Arrested and Charged with Attempted Murder in Stabbing Incident
A New City man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after a stabbing incident in Ramapo Thursday night. Ramapo Police say 23 year-old Elijah Dean was charged with Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Assault in the 1st and 2nd Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Ramapo Police say officers responded to Trailside Place in the Town of Ramapo for a reported assault involving a knife. Officers discovered the victim had been accosted in his driveway by an unknown suspect and was stabbed multiple times in his body, including his head and neck. Dean was arraigned Saturday evening in Ramapo Town Court. Bail was set at one million dollars cash, five million dollars fully-secured bond, or ten million dollars partially-secured bond. He is due back in court April 18th. Police say the victim remains hospitalized in serious condition but is expected to survive.
Ramapo Beefs Police Presence Following Assault in New City Section of Ramapo Thursday Night
No arrests yet after an alleged stabbing incident last night in the town of Ramapo. In a statement from Ramapo Police, Detective Lt. Christopher Franklin said the incident took place Thursday around 8:27pm at a home on Trailside Place. Franklin says a man had been accosted in his driveway by an unknown suspect and was stabbed multiple times. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover. Ramapo Patrol officers found a possible suspect, he was detained and brought to the Ramapo Police Department for questioning. Franklin says he was cooperative and released from custody pending further investigation. Anyone with information should call the Ramapo Police Department Investigations Division at 845-357-2400. As a result of the incident, Ramapo Police have increased patrol presence throughout the town.