A 24-year-old Spring Valley man was arrested Thursday following an investigation into an incident in which a 9-year-old boy was hit by a projectile believed to have been fired from a BB gun while walking along Hoyt Street.

According to the Spring Valley Police Department, officers responded Wednesday, October 14, to the area of Hoffman Street and Hoyt Street following a report of a suspicious incident.

Investigators determined that the boy was walking past an occupied vehicle on Hoyt Street when he heard a loud noise and suddenly felt pain near his left hip. The boy returned home and told his parents what had happened, prompting them to contact Chaverim of Rockland for assistance.

After recognizing the potentially criminal nature of the incident, Chaverim immediately notified Spring Valley Police. Hatzoloh EMS responded and evaluated the child, whose injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening.

Spring Valley Police detectives launched an investigation, and on Thursday, October 15, the suspect vehicle and all individuals who had been inside it during the incident were located with assistance from Chaverim of Rockland. All occupants were transported to Spring Valley Police headquarters for further investigation.

Following the investigation, police arrested Marco J. Guanoquiza-Caillagua, 24, of Spring Valley. He was charged with second-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The Spring Valley Police Department thanked Chaverim of Rockland for their assistance in the investigation.

Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Spring Valley Police Department at 845-356-7400 or email [email protected].

All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.