Several Bronx men arrested for illegally possessing a loaded handgun in a vehicle following a traffic stop on the Thruway.

Greenburgh, NY – On April 30, 2024, at approximately 1:45 a.m., State Police stopped a vehicle on I-87 in the town of Greenburgh for multiple vehicle and traffic violations.  While interviewing the driver, Joan Velez Castillo, 23, of New York, NY, it was determined that his license was expired.  A check of the 5 passengers in the vehicle revealed that no other occupant processed a valid driver’s license.

While Troopers were conducting an inventory prior to having the vehicle towed from the Thruway, a loaded semiautomatic handgun and a switchblade knife were located in the vehicle.  The driver, as well as 4 passengers, Anibal Hernandez, 22, Jorgelis Rodriguez, 24, Andreudy Pichardo Madera, 24, and Johan Miranda, 21, of Bronx, NY, were taken into custody at the scene and transported to SP Tarrytown. They were charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree (Loaded Firearm other than in a person’s home/business); a Class C Felony and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree (firearm/knife); a Class A Misdemeanor.

The fifth passenger, Joerick Merejido, 20, of Bronx, NY, fled the scene on foot but was located and taken into custody a short time later.  He was transported to SP Tarrytown where he was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree (Loaded Firearm other than in a person’s home/business); a Class C Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree (firearm/knife); Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd degree and Resisting Arrest; all Class A Misdemeanors.

The men were arraigned before the Town of Greenburgh Court where they were released on their own recognizance.  They are to reappear on May 7, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.