Ross
WEST NYACK – A Pennsylvania police officer is credited with spotting the car Eric Ross, Jr. bought from Youbs Auto Sales in West Nyack and that led to the arrest of the suspect in the murder of the car store’s owner, Youbens Joseph of the Town of Wallkill.
Ross is accused of shooting Joseph three times at the auto store last Saturday before fleeing in the white Hyundai he had purchased from the proprietor. Joseph died early Sunday.
Ross was charged with murder and criminal use of a firearm.
Police believe the shooting may have occurred after a dispute between the two parties over of how much money was owed to the seller.
Clarkstown Detective Lt. Glenn Dietrich said it was that alert cop in Pennsylvania that led to Ross’ arrest.
“It was a heads-up police officer out in Pennsylvania that spotted that car and found that car parked in one of the local shopping centers,” Dietrich said. “Thanks to him, he probably broke that case for us.”
Ross was apprehended Wednesday at a relative’s residence in Quakertown, PA. He is currently being housed in a detention facility in Pennsylvania and is awaiting extradition.
The Clarkstown Detective Bureau cooperated with the Clarkstown Police Street Crimes Unit, U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Quakertown Police Department and several other agencies during their extensive investigation into the homicide.
During a briefing on Thursday, Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann thanked the Clarkstown Detectives “for their exceptional police work” and also thanked all of the agencies involved for their invaluable cooperation. “We hope that this arrest brings some measure of comfort to the Joseph family,” added Clarkstown Police Chief Raymond McCullough.
Joseph’s son Kherbens described his father as “a very kind, trusting person who gave everyone a chance and also a second chance.” Kherbens and his family said Joseph was beloved and respected by his community, a sentiment echoed by the man’s neighbors and coworkers.
