Police Blotter
Arrests Made in Connection with Deceased Juvenile Found on Washington Avenue and Charles Street
On February 7, 2025, at about 12:00pm, New Rochelle Detectives made significant progress in the investigation of the deceased juvenile found at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Charles Street on February 6, 2025. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with this case: Hugo Perez-Gabriel, 32, of New Rochelle, has been charged with New York State Penal Law Sections: 195.02 Concealment of a Human Corpse (Class E Felony); 260.10 Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor) and an Unnamed Juvenile, 16 years of age, of New Rochelle, has been charged with New York State Penal Law Sections: 195.02 Concealment of a Human Corpse (Class E Felony); and 170.25 Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree (Class D Felony). Investigation revealed that these two individuals removed the deceased from a nearby residence and left him on the sidewalk. He was found without a shirt or shoes on when police arrived. The cause of death for the deceased individual remains undetermined at this time. Detectives are awaiting toxicology reports to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The New Rochelle Police Department continues to actively investigate this case. We urge anyone with additional information to contact our non-emergency line at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS. We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses, while maintaining the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The deceased has been identified as Jonson Temaj, 15 years of age, of New Rochelle. The investigation is still active and anyone with information on this case is asked to call the New Rochelle Police Department at 914-654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS.
New Rochelle Police Department Executes Search Warrant, Seizes Drugs and Weapons
On February 12, 2025, Detectives from the New Rochelle Police Criminal Investigations Division executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 50 Sickles Avenue. The operation resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs, cash, and firearms, as well as the arrest of two individuals. During the search, Detectives discovered and confiscated the following items:
• 124 glassine envelopes containing a mixture of heroin and fentanyl
• $7,430 in suspected drug proceeds
• One loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol reported stolen from Georgia
• One high-capacity magazine
As a result of this operation, two individuals were arrested and charged with multiple offenses:
ARRESTED: Ronald Ackridge, 69 years old, of New Rochelle. Rocco Forte, 68 years old, of New Rochelle.
CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
265.03 Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree – C Felony
265.02 Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree – High Capacity Feeding Device – D Felony
165.45 Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – Stolen Firearm – E Felony
220.16 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell – B Felony
220.03 Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance – A Misdemeanor
Auto Fire and Arson Investigation Leads to Arrest
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, at approximately 12:47 p.m., New Rochelle Police responded to a report of an auto fire at the parking garage located at 325 Huguenot Street. Upon arrival, the New Rochelle Fire Department personnel had extinguished a fire inside a 2024 BMW owned by a female resident of that building.
Following an investigation, New Rochelle Detectives identified the victim’s ex-husband as a suspect in the incident. On February 21, 2025, detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence in the Bronx and the vehicle he used to leave the scene.
On February 25, 2025, detectives executed the search warrant at the suspect’s apartment. The suspect, Hari Valdez, was taken into custody off-scene without incident.
Additionally, Valdez has six active arrest warrants out of Croton, NY and was released to Croton Police after being released on his own recognizance from New Rochelle Court.
ARRESTED:
Hari Valdez, 34 years of age, of the Bronx.
CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
150.10 – Arson in the 3rd Degree – C Felony
145.10 – Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree – D Felony