The Haverstraw Police Department announced the arrest of two 16-year-old males in connection with two separate armed robberies involving taxi drivers who picked up passengers at Palisades Center Mall earlier this month.

The first incident occurred on October 4, at approximately 8:38 p.m., when a taxi driver transported a passenger from Palisades Center Mall to the Village of Haverstraw. According to police, the suspect displayed a firearm, demanded money from the driver, and fled the scene on foot.

A second robbery occurred on October 10, at approximately 9:47 p.m., when two suspects used a taxi from the same shopping mall. Police said both suspects displayed firearms, demanded money, and physically assaulted the driver before fleeing on foot.

Following an investigation, Haverstraw Police located and arrested both suspects on Tuesday, October 20.

Both teenagers were arraigned in the Rockland County Superior Court Youth Part. Bail was set at $50,000 for the 16-year-old accused of participating in both robberies, while the second suspect, accused of involvement in the October 10 incident, had bail set at $25,000.

The charges include first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second-degree assault.

Due to the suspects’ ages, authorities are withholding their identities.

The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.