Haverstraw, NY – A 20-year-old Haverstraw man was arrested late Saturday night after police said he fled from an officer, resisted arrest and was found carrying a loaded firearm following a foot pursuit in the Village of Haverstraw.
According to the Haverstraw Police Department, the incident began at approximately 11:48 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, when an officer was patrolling Route 9W in the village. Police said the officer observed an individual crossing the roadway against a designated “NO WALK” pedestrian signal.
Authorities said the pedestrian nearly caused a collision with a passing vehicle while crossing the roadway. The officer stopped and attempted to speak with the individual about the incident, according to police.
Police said the individual then fled on foot, prompting the officer to pursue him. During the subsequent apprehension, authorities said the individual became combative and physically resisted officers attempting to take him into custody.
A Haverstraw police officer was injured during the incident, according to the department. Police did not provide additional information about the nature or severity of the officer’s injury.
After the individual was taken into custody, officers discovered that he was carrying a loaded firearm, police said. Authorities did not provide additional details about the firearm, including its make, model or caliber.
Police identified the suspect as Rinoe Mitchell, 20, of Haverstraw.
Mitchell was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal use of a firearm in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
He was also charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration in the second degree and assault in the second degree. Police said the assault charge stems from the injury sustained by an officer during the arrest.
Following his arrest, Mitchell was arraigned in Haverstraw Village Justice Court. He was remanded to the Rockland County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash bail, $100,000 bond or $200,000 partially secured bond.
The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted the Haverstraw Police Department with the investigation.
Police did not release additional information about what led to the alleged possession of the firearm or whether investigators believe the weapon was connected to any other incident. No other arrests were announced in connection with the case.
The incident remains a criminal case, and the charges filed against Mitchell are allegations. Under state and federal law, a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.