Crime & Safety

Peekskill Police Believe Pine Street Homicide Victim was Targeted

Peekskill city police are searching for the person responsible for the shooting death of a Peekskill man Tuesday afternoon.

Update, 9:15 p.m.:

A 53-year-old Peekskill man was shot dead in his car in the vicinity of 118 Pine Street, police are reporting.

Peekskill city police were alerted at about 2:20 p.m. when a female employee for the U.S. Postal Service discovered the man in his car.

Police have not released the victim’s name, but described him as someone who was well respected in the community.

“He was someone known as a good, moral citizen and the fact that he has been killed is a tragic, senseless act,” said Lt. Eric Johansen of the Peekskill police department. “We’re doing everything in our power to bring justice and we’re confident our investigators will bring this to a close.”

Johansen said he believes the victim was targeted, but investigators don’t believe the victim was involved in anything illegal.

The victim worked as a licensed taxi driver in the city in the past. Although he was no longer licensed, he would take on fares from time to time, according to Johansen.

“We’re investigating all aspect of his life and what he was doing today, specifically the moments leading to his death,” Johansen said.

A reward of up to $2500.00 has been offered by the New York State Crime Stoppers for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the man’s death.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-TIPS or the City of Peekskill Police Department at 914-737-8000.  All calls will be kept confidential.

UPDATE 6:15 PM: A man found dead on a Peekskill street was a local resident, city Police Chief Eugene Tumolo said in a media briefing. He was not a licensed cab driver, the chief said.

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A mail carrier found the body and called the police.

The death investigation is continuing, Tumolo said. It was not a random act of violence; community members need not worry about their own safety.

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The name of the victim, who was in his 60s, could be released later tonight. He was pronounced dead at Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

Earlier reports: Criminal investigators are working on a possible homicide on Pine Street, dropping small tags at various spots on the scene. 

Pine Street is closed between Elm Street and Maple Avenue—most of the police activity is outside 118 Pine. 

There's nothing official, but bystanders are telling Patch a body was found. Several taxi drivers at the scene said they feared it might be someone they knew.

Check back with Patch for updates.


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