Pair Charged With Menacing, Weapon Possession in Valley Stream

Two people face menacing and weapon possession charges following an incident in Valley Street early Thursday, police said.

According to police, a 23-year-old man received a text message from an acquaintance, 19-year-old Jacqueline Espinoza, of Franklin Square, to meet at a parking lot on South Grove Street.

When the man approached the vehicle that Espinoza was standing next to at about 1:18 a.m., 21-year-old Makhel Hull exited the vehicle and menaced the man while holding a black handgun, police said.

The victim left scene and notified police. Fifth Precinct officers located the vehicle on Rockaway Parkway and placed Espinoza under arrest, police said.

Hull, of upstate Poughquag, fled on foot northbound Rockaway Parkway and was apprehended a short time later with assistance from the Canine Unit, police said. A loaded .40-caliber handgun was recovered from the vehicle, police said.

Espinoza and Hull are each charged with second degree criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree and second degree menacing. They were both due to be arraigned on Thursday at First District Court in Hempstead.