Long Island Man Holds New Rochelle Family Hostage in Their Home After Crime Spree, Stabbing, Police Say

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 16, 2023) — A brave New Rochelle Mom protected her children following a home invasion Thursday by calming a violent suspect while signaling for her neighbor to call 911.

The suspect, who had stabbed a store owner on Main Street moments earlier, broke into the family’s home on Laurel Place. The mom was inside the house with her two young children, police say. The woman was able to keep him calm while covertly messaging a neighbor to call the police, leading to his capture.

A store owner in downtown New Rochelle was stabbed in her store at about 3:30 pm. The suspect fled the store, robbed a person walking on Woodland Avenue then broke into the house on Laurel Place.

UPDATE 3/16/23 7:50 PM: Police have one suspect in custody for one robbery. A statement will be issued once final charges have been filed.

UPDATE 3/17/23 7:25 AM: Still no word on final changes, likely after start of business today at New Rochelle Bureau of Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.

UPDATE 3/17/23 8:45 AM: NRPD has released a statement on the incident.

Police narrative: On March 16th, 2023, at about 3:43pm, New Rochelle Police received a call that a woman was stabbed and beaten and was now inside a store at Main Street and Webster Avenue. While responding there, New Rochelle Police received another call of a strong-arm robbery a short distance away on Woodland Avenue just off Main Street. Responding police observed the suspect fleeing the area and a foot chase through back yards occurred throughout the Residence Park Neighborhood on the Southside of New Rochelle. Detectives canvassing found the suspect inside a home on Laurel Place. The suspected attempted to flee and was Tasered and placed under arrest without further use of force.

The investigation revealed that the suspect is alleged to have robbed a convenience store at 683 Main Street, severely assaulting the worker there and then ran off and committed a strong-arm robbery a block away, robbing a pedestrian of cash. While attempting to evade police, the suspect broke into a home on Laurel Place that was occupied by a woman and her two young children. The woman was able to keep him calm while covertly messaging a neighbor to call the police, leading to his capture.

The initial victim from 683 Main Street was transported to a local hospital where she was listed as in serious, but stable condition.

UPDATE 3/27/23 12:10 PM. At the courthouse since 9:30 am, still awaiting the production of the defendant. He is being uncooperative. He refused to be processed (fingerprinted, etc.). He had told police he does not feel well and, since his arrest yesterday, twice been sent to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital. The paperwork from the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is now close to ready but the defendant has again requested transport to the hospital. A decision will be made soon to either have the arraignment in the courtroom, to hold it virtually from the NRPD holding cell, or transport him and hold it virtually from Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital.

His behavior might be explained by his two previous felony convictions — there will be no bail considered; he will be remanded to Westchester County Jail.

Developing…

Arrest & Charges:

Michael Bagley, 32, of Corham, NY.

• Robbery – 1, a B Felony
• Robbery – 3, a D Felony
• Assault – 2, D Felony
• Unlawful Imprisonment – 1, an E Felony
• Burglary – 2, a C Felony
• Criminal Mischief – 3, an E Felony
  

Initial Report (based on witness statements):

The victim — reportedly, an Asian-American woman in her fifties — was taken to an area hospital. No information on her condition has been provided.

The clothing store is located at the corner of Main Street and Webster Avenue at 683 Main Street.

There were signs of a struggle inside the store. Merchandise was knocked over and strewn across the floor.

New Rochelle Police are not releasing details at this time as it is an activation.

According to Jim Killoran, there was one suspect, described as male, black. The suspects knocked over clothing in the store. Killoran said witnesses told him the suspects ran East on Main Street, onto Pintard Avenue, and broke into a house on Laurel Place.

This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a breaking news story based on witness information which may so details may change as NRPD releases information.