A New Rochelle police officer pleaded not guilty to assaulting a suspect while off-duty.

Dozens of officers were at the courthouse for Detective Michael Vacarro’s first hearing.

Vaccaro allegedly punched and kicked a man who was allegedly in a dispute with his mother.

The man saw Vaccaro recording him, followed him and was eventually put into custody.

Vaccaro’s assault allegedly came after the suspect was in custody.

He was suspended as a result of the incident. Orange County police are stepping up patrols to keep everyone safe for July 4th.

There will be extra patrols for the holiday weekend.

Anyone boating, driving or using fireworks need to be extra cautious, especially if they have been drinking or using recreational marijuana.

Officials say the three recent drownings in the Delaware River and one in Wappingers Creek underscore the message to be safe.

A new hiking trail was unveiled in the Hudson Valley.

State officials, preservation groups and other community leaders settled on the name Nimham, in honor of a historic Native America from the 1700s.

The trail connects Breakneck Ridge and Wilkinson.

It features hundreds of stone steps, and it is said to be good for beginners.

Construction on a new path to connect Cold Spring and Beacon is expected to begin in 2022.