Suspect in Monticello shooting arrested after allegedly firing at deputy during foot chase near apartment complex

Monticello, New York – A man is in custody following a frightening incident on Thursday afternoon that led to gunfire near a residential apartment complex in the Village of Monticello.

According to law enforcement officials, the situation began around 3:05 p.m. on April 10, when New York State Police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the Evergreen Apartment Complex on Evergreen Drive.

The chain of events was set into motion earlier that afternoon when an employee at the Dollar General on Forestburgh Road reported a shoplifting incident to the Village of Monticello Police Department. Police dispatchers relayed the information over the radio, which was also being monitored by deputies from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.

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Sheriff’s deputies arrived in the area near the store and the nearby apartment complex, where they spotted a person matching the description of the shoplifting suspect. When the deputies approached, the suspect reportedly began removing articles of clothing before suddenly taking off on foot, triggering a brief foot chase.

As deputies pursued the man, later identified as 29-year-old Markell D. Jarrette of Monticello, the situation escalated dangerously. Jarrette is accused of pulling out a firearm and firing at one of the deputies.

In response, one deputy returned fire and struck Jarrette. Despite being hit, the suspect kept running but ultimately surrendered a short distance away. Officers from both the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police were involved in taking him into custody. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

“Jarrette was provided medical aid on scene and then transported to Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill. He was treated and released,” authorities confirmed.

Following his release from the hospital, Jarrette was officially arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. The charges stem from the alleged attempt to shoot a law enforcement officer during the pursuit.

Later that evening, Jarrette appeared in the Village of Monticello Court where he was arraigned. Bail was set at $500,000 cash or a $1 million bond, and he was remanded to Sullivan County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, April 14, at 9:00 a.m.

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No injuries to law enforcement or bystanders were reported in connection with the shooting.

The case remains under investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact investigators at 845.344.5300.

This incident marks a serious escalation in what began as a seemingly routine call for suspected shoplifting. The rapid response by local police, sheriff’s deputies, and state troopers helped prevent further harm and led to a quick arrest.

While the investigation continues, the Village of Monticello community is left shaken by the gunfire that disrupted an otherwise quiet Thursday afternoon. Law enforcement agencies have not released additional information about the weapon recovered or whether other charges may be filed as the case develops.