Police Arrest Thief After Dramatic Foot Pursuit

On Saturday night, Rockland Daily posted a video of a struggle between a Spring Valley Police officer and a perp suspected of stealing from a convenience store in Spring Valley.

Further details have now been released about the incident, which took place on Saturday, July 12th, at approximately 4pm. The Spring Valley Police responded to a call at the "Open Every Day" convenience store, located at 29 S Main Street, for what was initially reported to be a shoplifting incident. Upon arrival however, the incident was determined to be a robbery during which the suspect brandished an orange box cutter type knife and threatened the store's cashier.  

A brief time later a patrol officer observed the suspect on N Main Street, a short distance from the location of the robbery and attempted to detain him. The suspect ran from the officer and they engaged in a brief foot pursuit after which the suspect was caught. In a video posted on the Rockland Daily WhatsApp status on Saturday night, the suspect can be seen continuing to struggle and resist arrest. After a few moments, the officer was able to gain control of what turned out to be the same orange box cutter that was used during the robbery and threw it out of reach so that the suspect wouldn't be able to use it. Shortly thereafter, additional officers arrived on scene and were able to assist in placing the suspect in custody. The officer involved was treated for minor injuries. Although the suspect did not claim any injuries, EMS was requested to evaluate the suspect as a precaution but the suspect refused further evaluation or treatment. 

The suspect was identified as 32-year-old, Edwin L. Pickering of Haverstraw NY. Pickering was charged with Robbery 1st degree (B-felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree (D-felony), Resisting Arrest (A-misdemeanor), Obstructing Governmental Administration (A-misdemeanor) and Disorderly Conduct (violation). He was arraigned before the Honorable Judge Mellion of the Spring Valley Justice Court and was remanded to the Rockland County Jail.