Garnerville, NY — The Town of Haverstraw Police Department is continuing to investigate an altercation that led to a firearm discharge Sunday evening outside the ShopRite shopping center in Garnerville.
According to police, officers were dispatched at approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 24 to the ShopRite located at 56 West Ramapo Road following reports of a fight in progress in the parking lot.
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered two adult men near the Rosman Road side of the building. Authorities said both individuals sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries during the confrontation. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, and both men were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. Police stated that both individuals were later treated and released.
The preliminary investigation determined that one of the men involved was an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department who was carrying a legally owned handgun at the time of the incident. Investigators said that during the physical altercation, the firearm was removed from the off-duty officer’s waistband, resulting in a single round being discharged from the weapon.
Police said the discharged bullet did not strike either of the individuals involved in the confrontation and did not injure any bystanders in the busy shopping center parking lot. Authorities have not released information regarding where the bullet ultimately traveled or whether any property was damaged as a result of the discharge.
Investigators said the dispute may have stemmed from allegations that the second individual had been harassing the off-duty NYPD member’s daughter. Police clarified in their statement that the daughter and the second individual are acquaintances and are not, nor have they ever been, involved in a domestic relationship.
Officials did not release the names of the individuals involved, and no charges had been publicly announced as of Tuesday afternoon. Authorities also have not indicated whether surveillance footage from the shopping center or nearby businesses captured the incident.
The Town of Haverstraw Police Department said the investigation remains active and is being conducted in coordination with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives are expected to review witness statements, physical evidence from the scene, and the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge.
Incidents involving firearms in public commercial areas often draw heightened attention from both law enforcement and residents because of the potential risk to nearby shoppers and employees. Sunday evening’s incident occurred during a busy holiday weekend period when many businesses in the area were still operating and parking lots remained active with customers.
Several residents reported seeing a large police presence in the area following the incident, with patrol vehicles and emergency responders temporarily blocking portions of the parking lot while officers secured the scene and interviewed witnesses.
Police have not stated whether investigators believe the discharge was accidental or whether any criminal conduct occurred related to the handling of the firearm. Under New York law, investigators typically examine several factors in incidents involving discharged weapons, including possession status, intent, physical struggle circumstances, and public safety considerations.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation or who may have additional information about the incident to contact the Town of Haverstraw Police Department at (845) 354-1500.