Orange County DA Hoovler Vows Continued Crackdown on Illegal Firearm Possession
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler has announced that Dylan Saldana, 18, of Middletown, has been sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, for his role in a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Middletown in late 2024. The sentence follows Saldana’s guilty plea to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a violent felony under New York State law.
Shooting Incident on Wickham Avenue
According to court records and statements made during legal proceedings, the shooting took place around 7:00 a.m. on November 19, 2024, on Wickham Avenue in Middletown. Saldana, while walking in the area, encountered two individuals he believed were affiliated with a rival gang. In what was later confirmed to be a targeted act of violence, Saldana opened fire on the individuals before fleeing the scene.
Responding officers from the City of Middletown Police Department recovered a spent shell casing at the scene of the shooting. Their swift investigation, which included forensic evidence and witness accounts, eventually identified Saldana as the primary suspect.
Weapon Found in Suspect’s Bedroom
Following the development of probable cause, a judicially authorized search warrant was issued for Saldana’s residence. During the search, investigators located a loaded pistol hidden under a pillow in his bedroom.
Ballistics analysis later confirmed that the recovered firearm matched the shell casing found at the crime scene. In addition, Saldana confessed to police about his involvement in the shooting and admitted during his court proceedings to possessing the loaded weapon.
District Attorney’s Statement
District Attorney Hoovler praised the work of law enforcement and emphasized the importance of removing illegal guns from the community.
“When guns are in the hands of brazen criminals intent on causing harm to others, we are all in danger,” said DA Hoovler. “That is why we have such a focus on the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those who illegally possess and use firearms. The safety of our community is paramount, and the sentence imposed in this case stands as a message of the seriousness of these crimes. We will continue to pursue and prosecute violent gang crime in Orange County.”
DA Hoovler also reaffirmed his office’s ongoing efforts to disrupt gang activity and deter gun violence, particularly among youth and young adults.
Prosecution and Legal Process
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold, who worked closely with detectives from the City of Middletown Police Department throughout the investigation.
Though Saldana entered a guilty plea as part of a negotiated agreement, DA Hoovler stressed that a criminal charge remains an allegation until guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants are presumed innocent under the law and are entitled to a fair trial.
Broader Community Concerns
The case has renewed concerns about youth involvement in gang violence in the Hudson Valley region. Local leaders and law enforcement officials are calling for increased community engagement and intervention programs to prevent similar incidents.
Saldana’s sentencing sends a clear message that firearm offenses, especially when linked to gang-related violence, will result in significant prison time. The eight-year sentence is among the more severe punishments available under New York State law for this type of weapon possession charge, reflecting the danger such acts pose to public safety.
Looking Ahead
As Saldana begins serving his prison term, community members are hopeful that efforts to address the root causes of gang involvement—including lack of economic opportunity, limited access to youth programs, and social pressures—will be strengthened in the wake of this and similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to combat gun violence and gang activity, ensuring safer neighborhoods for residents across Middletown and the greater Hudson Valley.
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