Posted on: September 28, 2026 03:30 PM

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Ride share dispute on the Thruway leads to assault and weapon charges for Brooklyn man

On September 16, 2026, members of State Police Troop T, SP Tarrytown and Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Joel A. Guzman, 32, of Brooklyn, stemming from an altercation at a Thruway service area in Rockland County that culminated in New York City.

The incident began shortly before 7:00 a.m. on September 16 when troopers responded to a 911 call at the Suffern Tandem Lot on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in the town of Ramapo for a reported stabbing. Investigation revealed that the victim, a 32-year-old male from California, had been initially transported to the Sloatsburg Service Area by the ride-share operator, identified as Guzman. However, an apparent miscommunication had occurred, as the intended dropoff was the Suffern Tandem Lot, approximately a half mile away. The ride-share operator transported the victim to the Suffern Lot, but upon arrival, an altercation between Guzman and the victim ensued regarding payment for services. Guzman ultimately attacked the victim with a knife. The victim was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening defensive lacerations on his arm.

Guzman fled the scene and a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued for his vehicle. He was subsequently located by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department on the RFK Bridge in NYC and a knife was located in the vehicle. Guzman was transported by Troop NYC back to Troop T, SP Tarrytown, for processing. He was charged with the following:

Assault, 2nd degree (felony)

Criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree (misdemeanor)

Guzman was arraigned in Ramapo Town Court and released on $1,000 cash bail with a $5,000 bond, and 10% partially secured $20,000 bond. He is due back in Ramapo Town Court later this month.

An Order of Protection was issued for the victim.

From NYSP