New Square Arsonist Arrested For Violating Court Order
Ramapo police arrested Shaul Spitzer after he left the Rockland County Courthouse following an appearance on felony charges of attempted murder, arson and assault. Police today accused Spitzer of standing outside Aron Rottenberg's Truman Avenue house on Oct. 4 at 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order to stay away from family members, their home and business
Shaul Spitzer
New Square man accused in murder try arrested on charge of violating court order
Steve Lieberman • Journal News
NEW CITY — The 18-year-old New Square man charged with trying to murder a village dissident through an arson attempt was arrested this morning on a charge of violating a court order to stay away from the family.
Ramapo police arrested Shaul Spitzer after he left the Rockland County Courthouse following an appearance on felony charges of attempted murder, arson and assault.
Police today accused Spitzer of standing outside Aron Rottenberg's Truman Avenue house on Oct. 4 at 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order to stay away from family members, their home and business, Ramapo police Detective Sgt. John Lynch said today.
Spitzer will be arraigned on the misdemeanor count of second-degree criminal contempt this afternoon in Ramapo Justice Court.
His lawyer, Kenneth Gribetz, could not be reached for comment.
Spitzer has pleaded not guilty to charges of arson and attempted murder based on accusations of trying to set Rottenberg's house in New Square on fire at 4:15 a.m. May 22.
That case was adjourned today until Jan. 11 for possible trial.
During a confrontation outside the house that May morning, police contend, one of Spitzer's incendiary devices exploded, burning Rottenberg over 50 percent of his body.
Rottenberg was hospitalized for months with third-degree burns, undergoing skin grafts and other medical procedures. Spitzer suffered severe burns to his hands and arms.
Rottenberg and others had been the target of street protests and vandalism last year for not praying in Grand Rabbi David Twersky's synagogue. Rottenberg led a contingent that prayed at the Friedwald Center on New Hempstead Road, less than a mile from New Square.
Spitzer lived in the grand rabbi's house and did butler-type work for the Hasidic Jewish leader.
There also are accusations being investigated that young men like Spitzer enforce the edicts of the grand rabbi and his inner circle, including ensuring social rules — like dress codes — and worshipping practices.
The Ramapo police have been investigating the vandalism against Rottenberg and any conspiracy to deny him and others their rights to practice their religion. The FBI has been monitoring the case.
[Hat Tips: 613 Enforcer, Seymour, Sherry.]
so this address is rotenbergs new address or the house where he lived in new square?i heard he lives in monsey not in new square since he is afraid to live in his old residents.
Posted by: jancsipista. | October 26, 2011 at 01:03 PM
What was he thinking?
Posted by: HH | October 26, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Just in: Judge ruled to the immediate release of the boy, as the arrest was a mistake. Someone took a picture of the boy on Truman Avenue, and reported to the police that the defendant violated the court order of protection.
The Judge clarified that the order is only on the victim's property, and the defendant never came on or trespassed the property.
The defendant is in full compliance with the court.
Posted by: Updater | October 26, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Posted by: Updater | October 26, 2011 at 01:21 PM
He will probably sue Ramapo police for false imprisonment. If his lawyers are any good. He will become rich from trying to kill.
Posted by: Guest | October 26, 2011 at 02:28 PM
If what updater is saying is true Shamarya should retract this post
Posted by: DA Man | October 26, 2011 at 09:18 PM
If what updater is saying is true Shamarya should retract this post
Posted by: DA Man | October 26, 2011 at 09:18 PM
The key word here is "if."
Posted by: Shmarya | October 26, 2011 at 09:55 PM
If what updater is saying is true Shamarya should retract this post
Posted by: DA Man | October 26, 2011 at 09:18 PM
"If" turns out to be false, meaning updater lied:http://m.lohud.com/localheadlines/article?a=2011110260361&f=1166
…The Rockland District Attorney's Office recommended no additional bail, believing the $300,000 on the felony charges was sufficient, Lynch told Schoenberger.
Schoenberger noted she got the case because the New Square judge was unavailable. She released Spitzer, who is scheduled to appear in New Square Justice Court on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.
Defense attorney Kenneth Gribetz, said after court that Spitzer would plead not guilty to the misdemeanor charge at that time.
A community member took a photograph of Spitzer and some friends in front of the Rottenberg house. The individual sent the photo to the Rottenbergs, who sent the photo to the police. The police investigated and after finding the community member and doing interviews, they made the arrest.
Gribetz said Spitzer made an "innocent mistake" and has been told in no uncertain terms he's not to go near the Rottenberg house. Gribetz said the synagogue and the grand rabbi's house are near the Rottenberg home.
Rottenberg's son-in-law, Moshe Eilbaum, said the family was pleased the police took action.…
Posted by: Shmarya | October 26, 2011 at 10:49 PM
http://youtu.be/JJmlf1OqucQ
Posted by: 613ENFORCER | October 27, 2011 at 10:05 AM