Spring Valley Taxi Driver Assaulted by Rider

On March 13, 2026, at approximately 1:17 p.m., the Spring Valley Police Department responded to the area of Hoffman Street and West Church Street for a report of a fight between a taxi driver and a customer. Upon  arrival, officers separated the individuals involved.  

Further investigation revealed that following the completion of the taxi ride,  the customer attempted to pay the driver with a fraudulent bill. When  confronted, the customer became angry and physically assaulted the taxi  driver. During the altercation, the customer removed the driver’s purse from  the front seat of the vehicle. The victim sustained a head injury and later  sought medical attention.  

The suspect was identified as 65-year-old Malinda A. Sheffield of  Clarkstown. Sheffield was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal  Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First Degree, a Class C felony; one  count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony; one count  of Assault in the Third Degree, a Class A misdemeanor; and one count of  Theft of Services, a Class A misdemeanor.  

Sheffield was arraigned in the Village of Spring Valley Justice Court before the Honorable Judge Mellion and was released on her own recognizance.  

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation; the defendant is presumed  innocent until proven guilty.  

The SVPD is requesting that anyone with  information related to this incident to contact the department at 845-356- 7400 or email tips@villagespringvalley.org.