Man arrested on rape, burglary charges in Spring Valley

SPRING VALLEY, NY — A Ramapo man faces multiple felony charges after police say he violently attacked and sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend at her residence.

Andre Bernard, 50, was arrested Dec. 9 following a domestic violence investigation by Spring Valley Police.

Police said they learned the female victim was violently attacked inside her residence and sexually assaulted by Bernard at approximately 11:30 a.m. that day.

After police completed their interview with the victim, she returned to her residence.

A short time later, police were contacted by a third party stating Bernard was outside the victim’s residence.

Bernard fled in a vehicle while police were responding, according to the release.

The vehicle was located and stopped, and Bernard was taken into custody.

Bernard was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree menacing and criminal obstruction of breathing.

He was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court by Judge Sweet.

Bail was set at $10,000 cash, $25,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured bond.

Bernard was transferred to the Rockland County Jail.

Police later learned of a second incident that occurred early in December involving the same victim and Bernard, in which Bernard sexually assaulted her.

Judge Sweet issued an arrest warrant for first-degree rape, second-degree burglary, criminal obstruction of breathing and second-degree menacing.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Spring Valley Police Department at 845-356-7400 or email [email protected].