A suspect has been apprehended by authorities following an attempted robbery at the Valero Gas Station at the corner of Lake Street and South William Street in Newburgh  

The following statement was released by the City of Newburgh at 2:15 p.m on Saturday, July 1. 

“City of Newburgh Police can confirm the arrest of a male suspect in an armed robbery this morning at the Valero gas station at 115 Lake Street. CNPD ushered the store clerk out of the store unharmed and without incident. One suspect was taken into custody, and a thorough search of the building was conducted with a K9 unit and law enforcement personnel. Reports of a second suspect are unconfirmed at this time.”

The attempted robbery was reported around 3-3:30 am on Saturday, July 1. City of Newburgh Police Officers, New York State Troopers and Orange County Sheriff Officers secured the perimeter surrounding the station. New Windsor Police Officers also assisted with diverting traffic away from the scene along Lake Street. 

Along Lake and S.William St and Walsh Road, several groups of bystanders with their phones recording, watched and waited to see what would be the outcome of the situation. In the vicinity of the Valero Station is the Lake St business corridor, Cornerstone Family Healthcare Center, the Save-A-Lot store, the Newburgh Armory Unity Center and the Kenney Apartments. 

Justin Singh, a clerk who works during the daytime, watched as officers and first responders continued their work at the gas station. He was told that the clerk who was inside at the time of robbery was threatened with a gun.  

Mayor Torrance Harvey was also on-scene during the stand-off. “There was one [suspect] that was taken out without, without, you know, any hurt, harm or danger. There was one clerk inside that was taken out,” said Harvey. “Public safety is our number one priority.” 

As of 12:30 pm, city officers and firemen remained on-scene at the gas station. A first responder in what appeared to be protective gear and gas mask emerged from the gas station. Other first responders remained in place until given orders or could be seen walking in and out of the store with masks on. 

“That incident [the armed robbery] is being handled by the City of Newburgh Police Department. New York State Police assisted,” said Trooper Steven V. Nevel, Troop F Public Information Officer.