SPRING VALLEY, NY — A Ramapo man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following a reported domestic violence incident in Spring Valley, police said.
Spring Valley Police said Andre Bernard, 50, was taken into custody on Dec. 9 after officers investigated a report that a woman had been violently attacked and sexually assaulted inside her residence at approximately 11:30 a.m.
According to police, the victim identified Bernard, her ex-boyfriend, as the suspect. After officers completed their interview, the victim returned to her residence. A short time later, police were notified by a third party that Bernard was outside the home.
Police said Bernard fled the area in a vehicle as officers responded. The vehicle was later located and stopped, and Bernard was arrested without further incident.
Bernard was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree burglary, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree menacing, and criminal obstruction of breathing.
He was arraigned in Spring Valley Justice Court before Judge Sweet, who set bail at $10,000 cash, $25,000 bond, or a $50,000 partially secured bond. Bernard was remanded to the Rockland County Jail.
Police later determined that a second incident involving the same victim occurred earlier in December, during which Bernard allegedly sexually assaulted her again. Judge Sweet subsequently issued an additional arrest warrant charging Bernard with first-degree rape, second-degree burglary, criminal obstruction of breathing, and second-degree menacing.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Spring Valley Police Department at 845-356-7400 or email tips@villagespringvalley.org.