Attempted Murder Arrest Made In Early Morning Shooting Over Taxicab Fare: Police

SOUTHEAST, NY — A dispute over cab fare escalated into gun violence, according to law enforcement officials in Putnam County.

Sheriff Brian Hess said that 37-year-old Luis A. Galvez, of Kent, was arrested in connection to the shooting in the Town of Southeast during the early morning hours of Nov. 23.

At 5:25 a.m., deputies responded to the reported shooting at the Towne Centre Plaza. Deputies arriving at the scene met with the victim, a taxi driver, who told deputies that the suspect had discharged a firearm into the passenger compartment of his taxi following a dispute over a fare.

Deputies noted a bullet hole in the vehicle, and a bullet was located inside the rear seating area of the cab.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office investigators and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene, and a .45 caliber shell casing was recovered. Surveillance video from nearby businesses appeared to show the suspect, later identified as Galvez, approaching the taxi and discharging a firearm at the cab.

Investigators secured a search warrant for Galvez's homee, vehicle, and person. He was taken into custody, and a .45 caliber pistol was recovered during the search, according to officials. Galvez later confessed to the incident during an interview with investigators, according to the sheriff's office.

"The suspect's actions showed an alarming disregard for public safety," Sheriff Hess said. "Our members acted swiftly to identify and apprehend the individual responsible, and we remain committed to ensuring that anyone who engages in violence in this county is held fully accountable."

Galvez was charged with attempted murder, felony criminal use of a firearm, and felony criminal possession of a weapon.