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Reckless Police Evader Caught

On February 1st, 2024, during the overnight hours New Rochelle Detectives attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a suspicious vehicle which immediately fled at a high rate of speed.

Detectives quickly terminated but began an investigation into the vehicle. Later that day at about 10:00am, the vehicle was observed on Main Street near Memorial Highway stuck in minor traffic. Officers on scene directing traffic approached the vehicle and attempted speak to the driver and initiate another traffic stop. The driver refused to communicate and intentionally drove over a sidewalk, causing officers to jump out of the way of the moving vehicle. Thankfully no pedestrians were present at that moment. The vehicle fled New Rochelle into surrounding jurisdictions including Eastchester, Pelham, and Scarsdale. While in Eastchester, the vehicle nearly ran over a local police officer attempting to stop it. The vehicle then fled to Rockland County by means of the Mario Cuomo Bridge.

New Rochelle Detectives were able to develop leads and were able to locate the vehicle at about 10:00pm in the Village of Pelham. Further investigation led Detectives to locate the suspect at Shooters bar, a local establishment in New Rochelle. The suspect attempted to flee when officers converged on him but was ultimately arrested without incident.

The suspect also has extraditable warrants out of New Jersey for charges including Assault and Eluding Police. After being booked for charges in New Rochelle, the suspect was sent to Eastchester Police Department for felony charges that occurred in that jurisdiction. Due to new bail laws, he was released without bail in New Rochelle, but held on felony charges in Eastchester.

ARRESTED: Paul Merch, 28 years of age, of New Rochelle, NY.

CHARGES: NYS Penal Law Sections: 120.20 Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree – A Misdemeanor, 195.05 Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree – A Misdemeanor.

Train Station Assault Arrest

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at about 3:24pm, New Rochelle Police responded to the Train Station on a report of an assault. Upon arrival, Police located the victim, a 65-year-old male, who stated he was punched in the face by the suspect, who then fled the scene. The victim said the suspect approached him and asked if he had money. When the victim told him “no,” the suspect punched him in the face and fled. The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for injuries to his face and head. Police developed leads and were able to find the suspect about an hour later when he returned to the train station. He was taken into custody without incident.

ARRESTED: Troy Williams, 41 years of age, of Mt Vernon, NY.

CHARGES: New York State Penal Law Section 120.05 Assault 2nd Degree – D Felony

NRFD Responds to Fatal Fire at 590 Fifth Avenue

The New Rochelle Fire Department responded to an emergency call at 3:16AM on Friday, February 2 reporting a fire in an apartment at 590 Fifth Avenue, Parkside Place.  Upon arrival, NRFD units made a quick assessment and noticed smoke in the southeast corner of the building coming from the third floor. Firefighters entered through the lobby and arrived at the apartment door, and began fire suppression and searches. During the search the lone tenant was discovered unconscious. Crews brought him into the hallway, began CPR, and transported him downstairs to an ambulance waiting at the front door. He was transported to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The victim was identified as Damien Peart, 45 years old. 

Fire Chief Andrew Sandor said the cause was believed to not be suspicious; and that investigators could not rule out smoking, or an electrical issue within the apartment. The fire was contained to a single apartment and was extinguished in less than 30 minutes. The building’s construction of concrete and steel helped prevent the fire from spreading beyond the area of origin, the Chief noted, but some water and smoke damage to adjoining apartments was incurred.  

Stabbing

On Sunday February 18th, 2024, at about 4:10am, New Rochelle Police responded to the area of 25 Maple Avenue on a report of an assault.  Upon arrival, Officers located two males each with stab wounds.  One victim sustained a stab wound to the top of his head, and the other to his upper chest.  Both sets of injures were later deemed to be non-life threatening.  Officers developed leads and found that this incident stemmed from a dispute that occurred earlier at 596 Main Street, the La Clave nightclub, between the two victims and the suspect.  

The suspect is described as a light skinned Hispanic male approximately 5’ 9”, wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.  

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call New Rochelle Police at 914-654-2300.