10-19-2025 8:30pm

Baldwin Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession; Two Arrested in West Hempstead

Samantha Hespos Editor

Nassau County police say a Baldwin man is facing felony weapons charges after officers discovered a loaded handgun during an encounter in West Hempstead on Wednesday night. Two other individuals were also arrested at the scene after a brief struggle and attempt to flee.

Incident on Grand Avenue

According to police, officers responded to a disturbance on Grand Avenue shortly before 8:30 p.m. When they arrived, several people were gathered around a parked BMW and appeared agitated.

Investigators say 21-year-old Jonathan Romage of Baldwin was seated inside the vehicle when officers approached. During questioning, Romage allegedly tried to start the car and reach for a shoulder bag. Officers intervened and recovered a loaded 9 mm handgun inside the bag.

Two others — 20-year-old Alyssa Horgan of West Hempstead and 24-year-old Tyrese Ashley of Roosevelt — were also taken into custody after what police described as a chaotic scene. Horgan allegedly resisted arrest and kicked one officer in the leg. Ashley attempted to run but was stopped a short distance away.

Charges Filed

Romage faces multiple felony counts, including second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, along with misdemeanor charges of unlawful assembly and obstructing governmental administration.

Horgan has been charged with second-degree assault for injuring an officer, as well as misdemeanor counts of unlawful assembly and obstruction. Ashley is charged with obstructing governmental administration.

All three suspects were transported to a local precinct for processing. The seized firearm will undergo ballistic testing as part of the ongoing investigation.

Community Safety Concerns

Local residents said the arrests were a reminder of the growing concern about illegal firearms in suburban neighborhoods. Nassau County police have reported a steady increase in gun-related arrests over the past year, though most incidents have been isolated rather than connected to organized crime.

“This is exactly why we respond quickly to calls about suspicious activity,” a police spokesperson said Thursday. “Every illegal gun we take off the street prevents potential violence.”

Next Steps

The suspects are scheduled to appear in First District Court in Hempstead later this week. Prosecutors are expected to review the case for potential grand jury action on the felony counts.

No injuries other than the minor one to the officer were reported. Police said the situation was contained within minutes and there was no threat to the surrounding community.