SPRING VALLEY - A village man faces felony assault and misdemeanor child endangerment charges after a 9-year-old boy was apparently shot by a BB gun while he walked down a street, according to police.
Spring Valley Mayor Schenley Vital said the young boy is recovering. "BB guns are not toys, and can result in unintended and tragic outcomes," Vital said on Oct. 15 after Spring Valley police announced the arrest. "Our young people deserve safe streets, parks, and an indoor facility where they can grow and thrive. The village will keep working to prevent violence and give our youth every opportunity to succeed."
A loud noise, then pain
The young boy had been walking past a vehicle on Hoyt Street on Oct. 14 when he said he heard a loud noise and then felt pain near his left
hip.
The boy went home and told his parents, who contacted Chaverim, a volunteer emergency service organization, for assistance.
Chaverim notified the Spring Valley Police Department.
Hatzoloh EMS of Rockland County evaluated the child, who sustained pain and swelling. The boy was treated at the scene, police said. Hatzoloh realized this was a possible criminal matter and contacted Spring Valley police.
Spring Valley police detectives investigated.
2nd-degree assault, other charges filed
Police said that on Oct. 15, 2026, with the assistance of Chaverim, the vehicle and occupants seen during theincident the day before were located.
The vehicle and its occupants were brought to the police department for further investigation, police said.
Marco J. Guanoquiza-Caillagua, 24, of Spring Valley, was charged with felony second-degree assault; two counts of misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.
Vital said he was grateful to the Spring Valley Police Department, Chaverim and Hatzoloh for their swift response.
"No child should feel unsafe walking through our neighborhoods," Vital said. "My thoughts are with him and his family."
Police seek more information
The Spring Valley Police Department is requesting that anyone with information related to this incident to contact the department at 845-356 7400 or email tips@villagespringvalley.org.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Spring Valley boy, 9, shot with BB gun; man arrested later, police say
