Clarkstown: Cops Chase Down Erratic Driver With Gun

NANUET, NY — A report of an erratic driver who narrowly missed a pedestrian on the sidewalk at Rockland Plaza on July 4 led to a manhunt by Clarkstown police and the confiscation of a mock firearm.

Now Michel A. Ramos, 39, faces charges of menacing 2nd (misdemeanor), aggravated unlicensed operation MV 3rd (misdemeanor), reckless driving (misdemeanor) and several traffic violations.

Officers first responded to 100 Rockland Plaza, where a pedestrian said a black Acura had just driven onto the sidewalk — narrowly missing him but striking the exterior of a building.

As a search of the area was being conducted by several patrol officers, a second 911 call was received about an abandoned vehicle with a heavily damaged front bumper that had been left on Foxwood Road in West Nyack.

A man was observed a short distance away by a canvassing officer, who began talking with him. The man, later identified as Ramos, a homeless Rockland resident, then became aggressive towards the officer, police said. He lifted his shirt, exposing a black handgun in his waistband.

Officers were able to tactically de-escalate the extremely tense situation, without any further force, police said.

The man was placed into custody and the simulated Glock handgun was removed from his waistband.

Ramos was transported to Clarkstown Police Headquarters, where he was later issued an appearance ticket for a future court date at the Clarkstown Justice Court. It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"This incident could have had a very different outcome, were it not for the officers' professionalism, bravery and ability to de-escalate such a hostile situation that ultimately resulted in no injuries to themselves or the subject," said Clarkstown Police Det. Norman Peters.

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