Suspicious Mailbox Activity Leads To Fiery Crash After Chase

STONY POINT, NY — An attempt to filch mail led to a wild pursuit and a dangerous escape attempt, police said.

On Tuesday, shortly after noon, the Stony Point Police Department received a report of a suspicious vehicle with several occupants removing mail from a mailbox in front of a Tomkins Cove home.

When patrol officers arrived on the scene, they found a vehicle matching the description on Mott Farm Road. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the the driver fled eastbound at high speed. Police briefly lost sight of the vehicle. When they caught up with the vehicle, it was off the roadway, and down an embankment, engulfed in flames.

As police approached, a juvenile got out of the passenger side and surrendered to police.

The Stony Point Fire Department responded to the scene, and several agencies assisted Stony Point police in the search for the other suspects who fled on foot. These included the Haverstraw Police Department, the Rockland County Sheriff's Office (Patrol, K-9, BCI, Aviation), the Rockland County Intelligence Division, New York State Police, New York State Park Police, and the Ramapo Police Department's K-9 Unit.

After searching the area, using Haverstraw PD's drone, the Rockland County Sheriff's Office Aviation and K-9, and Ramapo PD's K-9, an adult was taken into custody, as well two other male suspects.

18-year-old Sekou Touray, of the Bronx, was arrested and charged with fourth degree grand larceny, petit larceny, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Stony Point Justice Court on October 17.

A 15-year-old male, from Manhattan, was charged with fourth degree grand larceny and petit larceny. He was processed and released to a family member.

The two other males were interviewed and released without criminal charges.

Police say the investigation continues, and they are looking for at least one more suspect. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Stony Point Detective Bureau at 845-786-2422.