Stafford, VA — In an unusual turn of events, Stafford County deputies arrested a 52-year-old man after a failed attempt to hide from law enforcement in his own home. The incident occurred on the evening of June 29, around 9:27 PM, on Ruffian Drive.
Deputies arrived at the residence to serve a warrant for threats to bomb, having been informed that the suspect was inside. Despite clear visual confirmation of the suspect sitting on the couch through the front window, a woman at the door attempted to convince the deputies otherwise, insisting they were mistaken.
Her efforts to mislead the deputies included closing the door, locking it, and turning off all lights, pretending that the house was empty.
However, the deputies did not leave. Instead, additional officers were called to set up a perimeter around the house to prevent any escape attempt by the suspect.
After some negotiation, the woman exited the house and was detained.
She maintained that the suspect was not inside, but deputies, with consent to search the house, eventually found the man hiding in the basement. He was detained without further complications and served with his outstanding warrant. Additional charges of obstruction of justice were also filed against him, and he is currently held at Rappahannock Regional Jail on a $3,000 secured bond.
The woman involved in the incident was charged with two counts of obstruction of justice but was released on personal recognizance by the magistrate.
- Eight Men Out as Police Uncover Drug and Gun Ring Outside Yankee Stadium
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban have announced the indictment of eight Bronx men on charges related to the sale of firearms, cocaine, and methamphetamine near Yankee Stadium. The defendants are accused of endangering the public by conducting illegal transactions in a highly trafficked area.
District Attorney Clark highlighted the risk posed by the defendants, stating, “The defendant who allegedly sold eight guns to an undercover NYPD officer put thousands of subway commuters, those who work and go to school nearby, and baseball fans in jeopardy. These alleged traffickers conducted business in broad daylight, down the block from the Stadium and beneath the elevated subway station.”
Commissioner Caban emphasized the ongoing threat of illegal guns and drugs, praising the efforts of the undercover officer and the collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney's office. “These charges underscore the destructive threat that illegal guns and drugs continue to pose on the streets of New York City, as well as our unwavering dedication to improving quality of life in every neighborhood,” he said.
The defendants, identified as Jeriel Fernandez, 30, Jael Fernandez, 21, Jonathan Fernandez, 31 (all related), Marvin Fortuna, 29, Ronny Fortuna, 32 (related), Jose Tejada Jr., 26, his father Jose Tejada Sr., 60, and Christian Espinal, 49, are charged in a 108-count indictment. The charges include first-degree Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance, second-degree Conspiracy, and first-degree Criminal Sale of a Firearm.
The investigation, which led to the recovery of 11 firearms, including an AK-47, and $418,000, culminated in the arraignment of the Tejadas, the Fortunas, and Jonathan Fernandez on July 2, 2024, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera.
This indictment reflects the concerted efforts of law enforcement to combat the illegal trafficking of guns and drugs, ensuring the safety and security of New York City's residents and visitors.
- Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years for Gun Possession and Sex Offenses
BRONX, NY – Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced that Christopher Cano, a 30-year-old man formerly from Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession, attempted rape, and attempted criminal sexual act against fellow inmates at Rikers Island. Cano's sentencing follows his guilty plea on three indictments.
District Attorney Clark emphasized the danger posed by Cano, stating, “The defendant was caught on the street with an illegal gun, posing a threat to the crowd gathered for a parade, and then committed horrendous acts against inmates while he was incarcerated. This prison term will keep a dangerous defendant away from the community.”
Cano was sentenced on July 1, 2024, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Shari Michels. He received seven years in prison and five years of post-release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and concurrent sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for Attempted Rape in the first degree and Attempted Criminal Sexual Act in the first degree. Cano pleaded guilty to these charges on December 4, 2023.
The investigation revealed that on July 24, 2016, Cano was spotted with a gun at the Bronx Dominican Day Parade on the Grand Concourse. Police arrested him after finding a loaded .38 caliber firearm. Cano claimed he had a bomb in his shoe and stated he was paid $5,000 to kill Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., who was attending the parade.
Additionally, on October 19, 2020, while detained at the Rose M. Singer Center, Cano raped a victim in the shower area. On May 4, 2021, Cano forced another inmate at the George R. Vierno Center to engage in sex acts under the pretense of helping with his criminal case.
Cano's convictions and subsequent sentencing reflect the concerted efforts of law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for violent and predatory behaviors both on the streets and within correctional facilities.
- Stamford Firefighters Quickly Douse Fire at Five Story Multi-Family Home
Stamford, CT — On July 1, at approximately 10:47 p.m., the Stamford Fire Department responded to a report of smoke and visible flames on a porch at Mill River House, located at 35 West Broad Street, a five-story multi-family dwelling with a unique “C” shaped layout.
Upon arrival, the first unit observed no visible smoke or flames from the street. Further investigation revealed that a heater on the porch of apartment 312 had ignited, causing damage to the exterior wall and burning into an adjacent closet. The fire, located on a porch facing an interior courtyard, initially obscured the smoke from view.
Electrical power to the affected apartment was promptly shut off at the panel. The fire was extinguished without the use of water, preventing additional property damage. The Stamford Police Department assisted with traffic control in the heavily trafficked area.
The incident was brought under control at 11:29 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Stamford Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.