A Fire in a Clandestine Drug Lab at the Marriott, Underage Sting Operation and Firearm Seizure from the New Rochelle Police

Here are three reports from the New Rochelle Police:

New Rochelle Police Respond to Suspicious Fire and Uncovers Clandestine Drug Lab

On April 6, 2025, at approximately 9:19pm, New Rochelle Police responded at the request of the New Rochelle Fire Department to a report of a suspicious fire at the Marriott Residence Inn at New Roc City, located at 35 LeCount Place. Upon arrival, police discovered that the hotel’s fire suppression system had activated, successfully controlling a blaze originating in a room on the 7th floor. However, the activation of the system resulted in significant flooding across the entire floor.

During the initial investigation, officers found evidence inside the room indicating the presence of a clandestine drug laboratory. Among the items recovered were quantities of cocaine, along with materials consistent with the processing of cocaine into crack cocaine. The discovery prompted the immediate recall of New Rochelle Detectives, who began working diligently to identify and locate the individual responsible.

Following a swift investigation, detectives developed leads that directed them to a hospital in Queens, where they located a suspect receiving treatment for burns sustained during the incident. The suspect, Pedro Marte, 47 years of age, of New York, NY, had suffered injuries to his right arm, torso, and foot. He was subsequently transferred to another medical facility, where he remains in stable condition under medical care.

The suspect is currently under arrest and being held in custody at a New York City hospital. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked on local charges related to the operation of the drug lab and possession of controlled substances. It is believed the fire was likely sparked by the suspect’s illicit activities within the hotel room, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the New Rochelle Police Department encourages anyone with information related to this case to their non-emergency line at (914) 654-2300 or anonymously at 914-632-COPS.

ARRESTED:
Pedro Marte, 47 years of age, of New York, NY.

PENDING CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
220.16 (2 Counts) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree – B Felony 150.05 Arson 4th Degree – E Felony
120.25 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree – D Felony
145.00 Criminal Mischief 4th Degree – A Misdemeanor

New Rochelle Police Arrest Suspect in Sting Operation Involving Minor

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at about 12:00pm, New Rochelle Police received a report from a 15- year-old female who disclosed that she had been involved in an ongoing intimate relationship with a 21-year-old male. Recognizing the seriousness of the allegations, the department immediately recalled detectives to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

As part of their investigation, detectives initiated contact with the suspect by posing as the minor victim. During these communications, the suspect expressed his intent to visit the victim’s residence for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Leveraging this information, detectives devised a carefully coordinated sting operation to apprehend the individual and ensure the safety of the minor.
Detectives positioned themselves in the vicinity of the victim’s residence, maintaining surveillance as the suspect approached. Upon his arrival, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The New Rochelle Police Department commends the courage of the young victim for coming forward and encourages anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to contact their tip line at 914-654-2300, or anonymously at 914-632-COPS. The department remains dedicated to investigating crimes against minors and holding perpetrators accountable.

ARRESTED:
Alejandro Choflet, 21 years of age, of New Rochelle, NY.

CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Section:
130.25 Rape 3rd Degree – E Felony
110/130.25 Attempted Rape 3rd Degree – A Misdemeanor

New Rochelle Police Conduct Traffic Stop Leading to Arrest and Seizure of Drugs and Firearms

On April 6, 2025, at approximately 6:35pm, officers from the New Rochelle Police Department, while conducting routine patrol, observed a vehicle traveling southbound on Memorial Highway with windows tinted beyond legal limits. Officers initiated a traffic stop to address the violation and made contact with the driver and sole occupant, identified as Mr. Aldo Nunez, 44 years of age, of the Bronx.

During the interaction, officers noticed what appeared to be the handle of a revolver protruding from beneath a bag on the floor of the vehicle’s back seat. For their safety and to investigate further, officers directed Mr. Nunez to exit the vehicle, which he did without incident, and he was detained. A subsequent inspection confirmed the firearm to be a loaded Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver containing six rounds.

A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered additional evidence of illegal activity, including approximately 95 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 26 grams of suspected MDMA pills, a loaded Ruger magazine containing 10 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, multiple portable digital scales, large packages of small plastic baggies commonly used for drug distribution, and two boxes of .44 Magnum bullets.

Mr. Nunez was arrested and charged with multiple offenses under New York State Penal Law. He is currently being held pending his arraignment scheduled for the morning of April 7, 2025.

ARRESTED:
Aldo Nunez, 44 years of age, of the Bronx, NY.

CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
220.18 (2 Counts) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree – A-II Felony