On Monday, October 2, 2023, just before 2:00 AM, Troopers were dispatched to a report of a vehicle stopped in the lane on the eastbound Southern State Parkway at the Exit 13 entrance ramp, town of Hempstead, NY. Upon arrival, Troopers observed the driver, Deaquan Dunham, age 25, of Hempstead, NY, asleep behind the wheel of a 2015 Mercedes Benz, which was parked in the right entrance lane of Exit 13 of the Southern State Parkway. Investigation at the scene revealed Dunham to be intoxicated and found to be in possession of an illegal .22 caliber revolver. Dunham was placed under arrest and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, an A – Misdemeanor, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree, a C – Felony. Dunham was held for arraignment at Nassau County First District Court. Investigators from the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Violent Gangs Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET) responded to assist with the investigation. Due to the efforts of the Troopers and Investigators involved in this case, they were able to remove a dangerous firearm from our community and hold the person accountable for its illegal possession. NEW YORK STATE POLICE Major Stephen J. Udice Troop L Commander

PRESS RELEASE Dunkirk man gets felony charge for being less than “smooth” at local Aldi On October 02, 2023 Troopers out of SP Fredonia arrested Jose J. Ruiz Jr., 39 of Dunkirk, NY for Grand Larceny 4th degree. On September 28, 2023, Troopers out of the Fredonia barracks responded to a stolen wallet complaint that occurred at the Aldi in the town of Dunkirk. The complainant stated that she had mistakenly left her wallet near the register after paying for her groceries. When she realized her wallet was missing, she went back in the store and could not find it. With the assistance of Aldi’s management, Troopers reviewed surveillance footage that showed an unknown male, later identified as Jose J Ruiz Jr, taking the wallet with him as he left the store. Further investigation would reveal that the suspect had an alias of “DJ Smooth.” Troopers would later locate Ruiz Jr. and take him into custody without incident. He was transported to SP Fredonia for processing where he was ultimately charged with Grand Larceny 4th degree, an E felony. Ruiz Jr. was released on an appearance ticket for the Town of Dunkirk Court later this month.

PRESS RELEASE UPDATE October 3, 2023 at 8:20 a.m. Craig N. Ross Jr., 46, of Ballston Spa, NY, has been charged with kidnapping in the first degree, an A-1 Felony. He was processed at SP Latham and then arraigned at the Milton Town Court, where he was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. Additional charges are anticipated. Due to the press conference held by the governor’s office last night, no media briefing will occur today. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further interviews will be granted at this time. We ask the media to please continue to respect the family’s privacy and not to contact them directly at this time. All updates will be posted to the Newsroom as they become available. --------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE October 2, 2023 - FOUND! Has been reported that she has been found, and is in good health. --------------------------------------------------------- UPDATE October 2, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. A new media staging area has been established at the Ace Hardware Distribution Center located at 295 Ballard Road, Gansevoort, NY. In addition, there is an alternative location at the Moreau Lake State Park, Lake Bonita Trailhead, at 740 State Route 9, Wilton, NY. We ask that all media avoid the State Park entrance and Command Centers to prevent impeding on the continued search effort for Charlotte. Future media availability will be posted here with the location and time. --------------------------------------------------------- *UPDATE* October 1, 2023 at 12: 30 p.m. New York State Police, in conjunction with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, will be holding a media availability at 1:30 p.m. at the Moreau State Park Office at 605 Old Saratoga Road, Ganesvoort, NY, 12831 to provide an update on the search for missing 9-year-old Charlotte Sena. --------------------------------------------------------- *UPDATE* October 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. On the evening of September 30, 2023 Charlotte was entered as a missing child through the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The extensive search for her has continued overnight and into the daytime hours. Out of an abundance of caution and due to the length of time that has lapsed an Amber Alert has been issued. No press conference is currently scheduled as all resources are directed at finding the missing child. Any information or time/location for any future media availability will be posted to the newsroom. --------------------------------------------------------- https://www.nyspnews.com/update-media-availability-scheduled-regarding-missing-child-from-saratoga-county.htm

Press-Release On Friday, September 29, 2023, at approximately 12:29 p.m. a Rome Police Department Patrol Unit was investigating a Motor Vehicle Accident when the officer heard a dispute. The officer excused herself from the accident and began following the sound of the dispute. She was able to locate a female victim, near the intersection of Depeyster Street and Canal Street. The victim stated her nine-teen-year-old son, Gabriel Edwards of Rome, was in their residence, 300 Canal Street destroying property. The officer entered the residence and observed Edwards inside actively destroying property. The officer attempted to take Edwards into custody, at which time, Edwards attacked the officer, punching her in the head and face several times. The officer was able to escape the residence to the front yard. Edwards followed her outside, obtained a snow shovel, and hit the officer in the head with the shovel. A second officer arrived on the scene and witnessed the attack while arriving on the scene. The second officer used his department-issued Taser to successfully subdue Edwards and take him into custody. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that civilians in the area came to the aid of the officer both during and after the attack. The officer was transported to Rome Health where she was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries and released. As a result, Gabriel Edwards was charged with: • Aggravated Assault 2nd • Assault 3rd • Criminal Mischief 4th • Harassment 2nd • Menacing 3rd This investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible. We would like to thank members of the community who aided the officers on the scene and continue to provide assistance with the ongoing investigation. If you should have any information about this case please contact the Rome Police Department TIP line at (315) 339-7744, or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1(866)730-8477 or www.p3tips.com. To Protect & Serve Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=704823911685954&set=a.302652858569730

PRESS RELEASE On September 29, 2023, at approximately 9:09 p.m., the New York State Police Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative in Rochester attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2023 Toyota Camry in the city of Rochester when it fled. The suspect vehicle traveled east on Clifford Ave and struck two uninvolved vehicles at the intersection of Clifford Ave at Hudson Ave before becoming disabled. Subsequent to an investigation, 8.3 grams of fentanyl, 5.5 grams of crack cocaine, 2.6 grams of cocaine packaged for sale, and a Smith and Wesson M&P40 loaded with 14 live rounds were recovered from the suspect vehicle. Three suspects were transported to SP Rochester for processing. All three suspects were charged with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony, and Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (A Misdemeanor). Two juveniles, ages 15 and 17, were transported to Monroe County family court for arraignment and remanded to Monroe County youth facility. The third suspect, Bjourneboe L. Malone, age 20, of Rochester, NY, was transported to Monroe County Jail for CAP arraignment. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/three-are-facing-drug-and-gun-charges-after-pursuit-in-city-rochester..htm

PRESS RELEASE On October 1, 2023, around 4:09 p.m., State Police members responded to a small plane accident at the Lake Placid Airport, in the town of North Elba. An investigation determined that a Cessna 177 Airplane crashed at the northeast corner of the airport striking an earth embankment. The two occupants aboard the airplane were Russell R. Francis, age 70, of Hampton, NH, and Richard G. McSpadden, age 63, of Frederick, MD. They both were pronounced deceased at the scene. NYSP Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit, Federal Aviation Administration, the National Traffic Safety Board, Lake Placid Police Department, Lake Placid Fire and Rescue, and Forest Rangers assisted in this investigation. This is an ongoing investigation. sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-plane-crash-in-lake-placid.htm

PRESS RELEASE UPDATE: On September 30, 2023, at approximately 12:20 p.m. State Police along with fire and EMS personnel responded to 14 James Place for a report of a house explosion. The residence was demolished with several neighboring homes being damaged. The cause of the explosion was a propane leak. There were three injured and they were transported to Westchester Medical Center where they are listed in critical condition. Robert McDowell, age 36, Jessie Mackerly, age 5, and Savanah Mackerly, age 9, all residents of the home, are still listed in critical condition with multiple injuries. **************************************************************************************************************** The New York State Police are investigating a home explosion at 14 James Place in the town of Thompson. Preliminary investigation reveals that the explosion may have been caused by a propane leak. There are three people injured who were transported to area hospitals in serious condition. This explosion does not appear to be criminal. The investigation is ongoing. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/update-state-police-are-investigating-house-explosion-in-town-thompson-sullivan-county.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 25, 2023, at 10:54 a.m., State Police in Lafayette were dispatched by Onondaga County 911 to 1335 West Valley Rd in the town of Spafford for an explosion. When Troopers arrived, they located a Chevy Silverado 2500 with a Northern Lite camper in its bed which was blown apart. Members of Spafford Fire were on scene attempting to clear out the back of the camper where a female later identified as 74-year-old Barbara J Hamlin was inside under debris. Troopers assisted the Spafford Fire in clearing out the back of the camper to gain access to Mrs. Hamlin where she was conscious and had a visible left ankle fracture. Troopers interviewed Robert M. Hamlin Jr., age 75 who also had visible burn injuries to his face from the explosion. He advised they accidently left their propane tanks open which were attached to the camper. The stove inside the camper may have been left on as he smelled propane this morning. He explained his wife, Barbara, went inside the camper, and must have turned on the stove causing the explosion. Mr. Hamlin was standing outside the camper when it exploded and was knocked to the ground. There was significant damage to the camper and surrounding area including damage to the exterior of the house. Both Robert and Barbara were transported by ambulance to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with non-life-threatening injuries. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and the Spafford Fire Department. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/husband-and-wife-hospitalized-after-camper-explosion-in-spafford.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 27, 2023, at about 6:48 pm, State Police of Fonda responded to the report of a car vs. motorcycle crash at the intersection of County Highway 122 and State Route 29A in Johnstown, NY. The preliminary investigation determined a motorcycle being operated by Salvatore A. Attigliato, 29, of Gloversville, NY, was traveling eastbound on State Route 29A when a vehicle turned onto State Route 29A westbound from County Highway 122, striking Attigliato. Attigliato sustained severe injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-fatal-johnstown-crash.htm

For Immediate Release U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Louis LaPolla Allegedly Stole Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Scholarship Donations SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Louis LaPolla, age 78, of Utica, New York, has been charged by indictment with six counts of mail fraud. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Alfred A. Watson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. The indictment alleges that LaPolla set up a scholarship fund in honor of his late wife, Andrea LaPolla, after she passed away in 2018, with the stated intention of benefitting Utica City School District students who planned to pursue post-secondary education in health-related fields. The indictment further alleges that LaPolla received tens of thousands of dollars in donations intended for the scholarship fund from individuals and businesses and that he spent nearly all of the donated money on himself rather than depositing it into the scholarship fund. LaPolla served as the mayor of Utica from 1984 to 1995, and he served as President of the Utica City School Board from 2018 to 2022, following 21 years of service as a member of the board. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charges filed against LaPolla carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1.5 million, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Following his arrest on these charges and initial appearance in federal court today, LaPolla was ordered released on conditions pending his trial. FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-utica-mayor-and-school-board-president-indicted-mail-fraud-scheme Updated September 22, 2023

PRESS RELEASE On September 22, 2023, at 12:10 p.m., State Police in Watertown responded to a three-vehicle crash on State Route 3 in the Village of Black River. A 2018 Ram pickup truck, operated by Shane D. Umstead, age 32, from Plessis, NY, was traveling east on State Route 3 when he failed to observe a 2017 Hyundai Elantra, operated by Roxanne E. O’Connor, age 74, from Carthage, NY which was stopped in traffic, striking the rear of the vehicle and pushing it into the path of a Dump Truck, operated by Joseph J. England, 51 from Adams, NY that was traveling westbound on State Route 3. O’Connor was transported to Samaritan Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A front-seat passenger in her car, 79-year-old Charles A. Taylor, from Carthage, NY was transported to Samaritan Medical Center and then airlifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he was pronounced deceased. No other injuries were reported in the crash. The investigation is continuing. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-crash-on-state-route-3-in-black-river.htm

On September 21, 2023, at 6:43 a.m., State Police in Carthage responded to a shots fired complaint at 36100 Jackson II Road in the Town of Champion, Jefferson County. The homeowner and complainant were told by a neighbor he observed a white male in a black Volkswagen shoot a gun at the house. No one was injured in the shooting incident. At 9:19 AM, while conducting neighborhood interviews on Jackson II Road, Jefferson County 911 dispatched Troopers to another shots fired complainant on a snowmobile trail off State Route 26 across from the Great Bend Fire Department in the Town of Champion. A shooting suspect had been located by the complainant who pursued him onto an ATV trail. When Troopers arrived on the scene, the complainant restrained the suspect from leaving the scene. Due to his injuries, the shooting suspect was transported to the hospital with injuries he received as a result of a motor vehicle collision and being restrained. Evidence was recovered on the scene and the investigation is ongoing. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Village of West Carthage Police Department, and Carthage Area Rescue. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigating-shooting-incident-in-town-champion.htm