WALLKILL — Members of the New York State Police Troop F Community Stabilization Unit observed a 2010 Honda Accord traveling westbound on Interstate 84 on Sept. 23 at approximately 2:16 p.m.
The vehicle was observed committing multiple violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to comply, and a pursuit ensued.
The suspect vehicle exited Interstate 84 at Exit 19A, continuing westbound onto State Route 17, where occupants were observed discarding a black and silver handgun from the vehicle.
A loaded black and silver Smith & Wesson handgun was later recovered from the area.
The pursuit continued onto Route 302, then onto Amy Lane in the town of Wallkill, where the vehicle became disabled on the lawn of a private residence after striking a boat trailer.
Both occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
The driver, identified as an 18-year-old male from Port Jervis, attempted to steal a scooter from a female juvenile in an effort to flee but was subdued by a 16-year-old male good samaritan, who restrained him until troopers arrived and took him into custody.
The passenger, identified as Ahjai A. Brand, age 19, of Middletown, N.Y., fled on foot and was later apprehended in the City of Middletown after a brief foot pursuit.
Brand was charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree, loaded firearm, class C felony; criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree, class D felony; criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree, previous conviction, class D felony; tampering with physical evidence, class E felony; criminal possession of a firearm, class E felony; and obstruct governmental administration 2nd degree, class A misdemeanor.
The 18-year-old male was charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree, loaded firearm, class C felony; reckless endangerment 1st degree, class D felony; robbery 3rd degree, class D felony; criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree, class D felony; criminal possession of a weapon 3rd degree, previous conviction, class D felony; tampering with physical evidence, class E felony; criminal possession of a firearm, class E felony; obstruct governmental administration 2nd degree, class A misdemeanor; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd degree, class A misdemeanor; aggravated unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle 3rd, unclassified misdemeanor; reckless driving, unclassified misdemeanor; and multiple uniform traffic tickets.
Brand and the 18-year-old male were arraigned in Wallkill Town Court and remanded to Orange County Jail.
Bail was set at $100,000 cash, $250,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond.
Both individuals are awaiting future court appearances.
The New York State Police were assisted by the City of Middletown Police Department, Town of Wallkill Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland County Sheriff’s K-9, City of Newburgh Police Department, and various New York State Police specialty units, including the Forensic Investigation Unit, Unmanned Aerial Systems and K9 Unit.
