Port Jervis City Police Announce Arrest in Hammond Street Homicide Investigation. Defendant Charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
Port Jervis, NY — February 16, 2026 — The Port Jervis City Police Department announces the arrest of David Rombousek, age 26, of Port Jervis, New York, in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Hammond Street in the early morning hours of February 15, 2026.
Rombousek was taken into custody on February 15 at approximately 7:35 p.m. after officers located him in a rear yard on Ball Street. The arrest followed a tip from an alert citizen who reported seeing the suspect walking near Ball Street and Cole Street. Officers and detectives quickly responded and apprehended the defendant without incident.
The arrest stems from an investigation into a homicide that occurred on February 15 at approximately 12:32 a.m., when police responded to multiple reports of shots fired in the area of 145–147 Hammond Street in the City’s Fourth Ward. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jason Finch, age 43, of Port Jervis, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body following a disturbance in front of the residence. Emergency aid was rendered at the scene by members of the Port Jervis Police Department and Port Jervis Ambulance. Finch was transported to Bon Secours Hospital for emergency treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries.
An intensive investigation and search for the suspect were conducted collaboratively by the Port Jervis City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, with support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center.
The defendant has been charged with the following crimes:
• Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I Felony)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)
Rombousek was held overnight in the Port Jervis City Lock-Up facility and subsequently arraigned in Orange County Central Arraignment Court, where he was remanded to the Orange County Correctional Facility without bail, pending grand jury evaluation.
Port Jervis City Police Chief William J. Worden stated, “I am deeply grateful for the exceptional teamwork demonstrated by the dedicated law enforcement professionals who worked tirelessly on this case, as well as for the cooperation and support from our community. From the rapid response of the first officers on scene to the meticulous investigative work that followed, every member of this multi-agency effort displayed unwavering diligence and commitment. Their actions ensured a swift and safe resolution, resulting in the arrest of a violent individual and reinforcing our shared goal of keeping our community safe. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family.”
New York State Police Troop F Major Andre Terry said, “This arrest is the result of exceptional collaboration and tireless investigative work by all agencies involved. The New York State Police remains firmly committed to supporting and assisting our partner agencies, and this case reflects the very best of law enforcement teamwork. I commend the Port Jervis City Police Department and all of our partner agencies for their professionalism, determination, and unwavering commitment to bringing swift justice and restoring a sense of safety to the community.”
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said, “The successful outcome was the result of outstanding coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice is served. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Port Jervis City Police Department, the New York State Police, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center for their professionalism and commitment throughout this investigation.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Trial Assistant District Attorney Richard Moran of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Notice: A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
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Port Jervis City Police Announce Arrest in Hammond Street Homicide Investigation. Defendant Charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
