Westchester County Police have announced the arrest of eight people on drug charges following a raid on two cottages in a Mohegan Lake Community.

The raid followed an investigation into alleged drug activity at the two homes, 3195 and 3211 East Main Street in the Mohegan Lake section of Cortlandt off Route 6.

The eight were taken into custody after cops found quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana and prescripton medication in the homes.

Each of the eight has been charged with 3rd Degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (Intent to Sell), a felony.

Under arrest are 32 year old Sylvia Ellis of Peekskill, 22 year old Yenny Alfaro of Mohegan Lake, 33 year old Joe Wilson of Peekskill, 25 year old Jamal Wilson of Peekskill, 38 year old Clifford Ellis of Peekskill, 37 year old Carl Culberson of Mohegan Lake, 25 year old Perry Freeman of Mohegan Lake and 34 year old Kevin Ellis of Peekskill.

The raids were carried out by the Westchester County Department of Publi Safety and the Peekskill Police Department. 

A 45 year old Peekskill man has been arrested, charged with 3rd Degree Grand Larceny, a Felony.

Police say Russell Roberts, who works at the Family Dollar Store at North Division Street has been charged with stealing more than $9,000 in store receipts from his place of employment.

Officials say the theft occurred over a period of time and was discovered following an internal audity by the store. 

The suspect, according to police, is being held without bail, pending arraignment. 

A woman from Beaumont, Texas is under arrest after allegedly fleeing Peekskill with her 4 year old son and not returning him back to his father.

Lt. Eric Johansen says the boy's father, who has not been identified, contacted Peekskill Police January 2,2011 seeking their assistance in getting the youngster returned to him. Johansen says the man's estranged wife, who shared joint custody with the child, had taken the boy over the Christmas holiday and never returned with the boy.

With the help of Texas authorities, Peekskill Police learned that the woman, 25 year old Leah Cambridge, had taken up residence in an apartment in Beaumont. The apartment they say, was the site of suspected drug abuse and prostitution.

On January 13, the child was located and Cambridge was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice. She has been charged by Peekskill Detectives with 1st Degree Custodial Interference, a Felony.

The boy was reunited with his father on January 14, who had flown to Texas to pick him up.

Johansen says while there is no indication that the boy had been abused while away from his father, it is "extremely gratifying" to know that he was removed from a potentially dangerous situation and returned to his father. Said Johansen, "It could've been a whole lot worse."

The city of Peekskill Police Department is out with a warning for City residents: Don't even think of drinking and driving.

Peekskill Police Lt. Eric Johansen announced today that the Peekskill PD will be conducting extra patrols throughout the New Year's Holiday targeting motorists who are under the influence of alcohol and/or have their abilities impaired by drugs.

A 46 year old homeless man from Peekskill is under arrest, charged with setting fire to a truck after Police say he had a dispute with his boss.

The fire was reported around 7 a.m. today at 1075 Washington Street at Beach Auto Sales.

Cops say the officers responding to the scene were immediately approached by an employee of Beach Auto Sales, Jose Rivera.

According to Police, Rivera freely admitted to setting the fire due to a dispute he was having with his boss.

Officials say quick police work resulted in the arrest of a Peekskill man shortly after a woman had been raped in a city apartment.

Cops say they were called to the Turn Keys apartments shortly before 11 p.m. Friday night  at 1431 Park Street for a report of a woman assaulted.

Officers assessed the situation and determined that a rape had been committed. Police quickly canvassed the area and were able to capture and arrest a suspect, identified as 51 year old Gregory Hicks of Peekskill in a wooded area not far from the crime scene.

Police say detectives poured through a significant amount of forensic evidence in the apartment, evidence they say suggested a violent assault.

The 42 year old victim was taken to Hudson Valley Hospital Center where she was treated for her injuries.  Authorities say Hicks and the victim knew each other and had been together earlier in the evening prior to the rape.

Peekskill Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred at the Wachovia Bank Branch on South Street around 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Police aren't certain if the suspect is a man, a tall woman, or possibly a man disguised as a woman. They say the suspect walked into the bank branch at 920 South Street, told the teller he had a gun and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled on foot.

Officials say the robber is black, tall and thin, about 6' tall.

Police are looking to the public for help. Anyone who may have witnessed anything is urged to calld etectives at (914) 737-8000. All calls will be kept confidential.