One Dead in Somers Shooting, Suspect Apprehended After Manhunt

SOMERS, N.Y. — A suspect is in custody after three people, including two children, were shot at the Crossroads housing complex on Route 6 in Baldwin Place. 

The incident occurred just after 11:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28. The following morning, state police launched a manhunt for Fernando Jimenez, 40, in the area of Peekskill Hollow Road in Putnam Valley. Late Tuesday morning, State police said Jimenez had been apprehended and was in custody. No further details were available at press time.

The Somers Central School district issued a statement confirming that the two children attend Somers Middle School and Somers High School. All buildings in the district were placed on lockout due to the increased police presence in the area.

New York State Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from local agencies.

“Officers from the Town of Carmel Police Department responded to the Town of Somers last evening to assist the New York State Police on a call of multiple gunshot victims,” Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann said. “Our officers rendered aid to the victims with the Troopers at the scene and we continued to assist the State Police in the search for the suspect. As this is their investigation, we will refer any further comment to the State Police.”

During the manhunt, authorities encouraged residents in the area to check their home security and trail cameras for any possible sightings, and Putnam Valley schools were closed for the day as a precaution. Lakeland and Mahopac schools also went on a district-wide lockout on Tuesday morning. The lockouts were lifted later in the day.

“Out of an abundance of caution, in light of the recent police activity in the Somers and Putnam Valley area, the Mahopac Central School District will be on lockout today until further notice,” Superintendent Christine Tona said. Lakeland schools also went into lockdown on Tuesday.

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said the County Sheriff’s Department was “supporting and working with the New York State Police” during the investigation.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the New York State Police at 914-769-2600.

This is a developing story.