Arrests, violations, and more in the latest Goshen Village Police report

Goshen Village Police Chief Ryan Rich shared recent actions taken by members of his department this month, ranging from traffic violations to narcotics and harassment arrests. The police department also participated in community events, including National Night Out and a county-wide Stop DWI initiative that resulted in 33 traffic tickets and one arrest.

On August 12, officers stopped a vehicle for an equipment violation on Route 17M. During the stop, officers spotted an imitation inspection sticker displayed in the vehicle. The driver was arrested for operating with a counterfeit certificate of inspection and released on multiple traffic tickets to appear back in Goshen Village Court.

Also on August 12, a village resident reported being the victim of a bank scam. The victim reported receiving a call from a bank employee claiming his account had been compromised and instructed him to withdraw the reminder of his balance to prevent further loss. The victim was then instructed to deposit the money into another account. Chief Rich took the case as an opportunity to remind residents that financial scams come in many forms. “If you receive a call like this out of the blue and pressured to act immediately, it is likely a scam,” he said in his report. “Please contact the police department before authorizing a transfer or sending money.”

On August 13, an overnight patrol witnessed a vehicle traveling on North Church St. at high speeds. The officer stopped the driver and charged them with reckless driving and multiple traffic violations.

A village resident asked to have the department’s radar trailer set up due to vehicles speeding in the area of Murray Ave. in Harness Estates beyond the listed 30 mph limit. The trailer was deployed for a week as a deterrent and followed by enforcement. Chief Rich noted that the radar trailer can be requested by village residents to address traffic concerns.

Also on August 13, patrols responded to a reported physical dispute on Montgomery Street that resulted in the arrest of two people. One person was charged with criminal mischief and released with an appearance ticket. The other person was charged with unlawful imprisonment and obstruction of breathing; that person was later arraigned at Orange County Jail by Judge Peter Green and released with an appearance ticket. An order of protection was issued. Both people are to return to Goshen Village Court at a later date.

On August 14, new full-time hire Jessica L Racioppo (an NYPD transfer) and part-time SRO hire Joseph J Gelardi (a retired NYPD officer) were sworn in at Village Hall. The oath was administered by Village Clerk Maria Darby and Chief Rich bestowed their shields.

On August 14, patrols received a report of a physical domestic dispute in the past. Officers arrested person involved and charged them with multiple counts of criminal contempt and harassment. That person was arraigned at City of Middletown Court by Judge Theresa Crayton and remanded to Orange County Jail on $5,000 bail.

On August 15 during a traffic stop, police discovered that the driver was in possession of narcotics and arrested them for criminal possession of a controlled substance. The driver was released on an appearance ticket to return to Goshen Village Court.

On August 23, police arrested a person for criminal possession of weapon in connection with an investigation. That person was arraigned at City of Middletown Court and released to return back to Goshen Village Court at a later date.

Chief Rich also introduced a new member of the department: an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to his report, the drone will be used primarily for event security, community safety, and search and rescue. It was purchased with funds from Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grant program. Several department members are in the process of obtaining the proper training and license as required by the federal FAA.