The New York State Police at SP Watertown are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals pictured in the attached photo in connection with a theft investigation. The individuals are believed to have been involved in the theft of multiple bottles of perfume from JCPenney located at the Salmon Run Mall in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County, on April 10, 2026. Anyone with information regarding the identity of these individuals is asked to contact the New York State Police at 315-366-6000 and reference case number NY2600474189. Source: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-seek-publics-assistance-identifying-individuals-theft-investigation

VERONA, N.Y. — Verona Field Days will return in June 2026 for a three-day community celebration filled with live music, rides, a parade, fireworks, and family-friendly fun. The event will take place at 5860 Rock Road beginning Friday, June 5, with the field opening at 5 p.m. Ride information is still to be announced. Friday night entertainment will feature Before August, performing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Festivities continue Saturday, June 6, with the field opening at noon. The annual parade is scheduled for 6 p.m., followed by live music from Kickin’ It Up, performing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Ride details will be announced at a later date. The celebration wraps up Sunday, June 7, with the field once again opening at noon. Live music will be provided by Broken Rule from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by fireworks at dark. Organizers note that no pets are allowed on the field. Verona Field Days continues to be a longtime community tradition, bringing residents, families, and visitors together for a weekend of entertainment, local pride, and summer fun.

On May 31st, 2026 at approximately 3:00AM Utica Police and Utica Fire units were dispatched to an address on Watson Pl regarding a structure fire. Upon arrival Police personnel noticed that the exterior of the residence was on fire, and immediately utilized fire extinguishers to put out the visible flames, and also were able to evacuate three tenants from different apartments. UFD arrived within moments and took over additional fire suppression efforts. Through the investigation officers were provided with surveillance footage showing a suspect intentionally setting the home on fire. Based on having a prior familiarity with the party depicted, he was immediately identified by on scene officers. Furthermore, it was known that the individual in the video was in a relationship with a second floor tenant. Based on these factors, investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division were called back to assume assignment of the incident. Later in the day the suspect, Jose Perez age 63 of Utica, was located on Stark St and transported to the Utica Police Department. At the conclusion of the investigation Perez was charged with: Arson in the second degree (occupied dwelling

On May 28, 2026, at approximately 7:38 p.m., the New York State Police responded to Trestle Lake Drive in the town of Eaton, Madison County, following a report of a neighborhood dispute. During the investigation, dispatchers received additional information from the caller, later identified as Richard Meyers, age 65, of Munnsville, who stated that he had fired multiple rounds at a neighboring residence. Troopers responded to Meyers’ residence and attempted to make contact. Meyers subsequently exited the home and surrendered without incident. The investigation determined that multiple rounds struck two unoccupied residences and an unoccupied vehicle on Trestle Lake Drive. No injuries were reported. Members of the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit processed the scenes, and investigators obtained a search warrant for Meyers’ residence. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators seized seven long guns and one pistol. Meyers was arrested and charged with: • Two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class E Felony) • Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) • Two counts of Environmental Conservation Law 11-0931, Discharge of a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Dwelling (Misdemeanor) Meyers was processed at SP Morrisville, transported to Madison County CAP Court for arraignment, and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court at a later date. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-madison-county-man-following-shots-fired-neighboring-homes

June Dairy Month is more than a celebration of milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. It’s a celebration of the hardworking farm families who help feed our communities every single day. Here in New York, dairy farming is part of who we are. It supports local families, strengthens small businesses, preserves open farmland, and plays a major role in agritourism by giving people the chance to visit farms, meet local producers, enjoy farm-fresh products, and better understand where their food comes from. When we support local dairy, we’re supporting tradition, agriculture, tourism, and the future of our rural communities. This June, take a ride, visit a local farm, stop by a farm store, enjoy a scoop of ice cream, grab local cheese, and thank a dairy farmer. Their work starts before sunrise and helps keep our communities strong. Real farmers. Real dairy. Real community.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a Town of Vernon man was arrested on May 26th, 2026, following a dispute. On May 6th, 2026, at approximately 3:12 AM, members of the Road Patrol Division responded to an address in the City of Oneida, regarding a dispute that occurred in the Town of Vernon. Upon arrival, Deputies learned that during a dispute, the victim's 2012 Chevrolet Silverado was damaged by the suspect, utilizing a sledgehammer. The case was turned over to members of the Criminal Investigations Unit. As a result, Charles R. Tooke (37) of Vernon, was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (D Felony), Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (E Felony), Menacing in the Second Degree (A Misdemeanor) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (A Misdemeanor). Tooke was processed at the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building and turned over to the Oneida County Correctional Facility pending an arraignment in CAP Court.

Over the course of the last several days, the Utica Police Department has responded to shots fired calls on the 1500 blocks of Howard Ave and Neilson St. The investigation into these incidents was assigned to the GIVE Unit and through their work, a suspect vehicle in one of the incidents was developed. On May 25th, 2026 at approximately 7:15PM that vehicle was located by the GIVE investigators, and with the assistance of the Tactical Unit a motor vehicle stop was conducted. As they were speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, their attention was drawn to a male in the backseat who was making movements toward his jacket. As officers observed him further, they noticed what appeared to be handgun protruding from the jacket. The male was removed from the vehicle and officers secured a loaded 9mm ghost gun with a 27 round extended magazine. The male, then learned to be 16 years of age, was detained and transported to the Utica Police Department. The weapon was test-fired, and the casings were entered into the NIBIN system for further analysis to determine if this weapon was used during the earlier incidents. At the conclusion of the incident, the 16-year-old was charged with: Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree (High capacity magazine) Criminal Possession of a Firearm Due to his age, the identity will not be released. The Utica Police Department will continue to proactively address these Hot Spot areas, using all personnel and technological means. Through the use of technology such as NIBIN, FLOCK license plate reader technology, ShotSpotter acoustic detection technology, the City of Utica camera system project, and many other systems, along with great partnerships with the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center and street outreach groups such as Rebuilding the Village, Save our Streets, and SNUG, Utica has its lowest gun violence rates in over a decade. We will continue to proactively address any incidents of gun violence so that this summer can be enjoyed by every member of our community.

Trooper Amanda S. Anna, 31, died on May 26, 2012, as a result of injuries received in a traffic accident. While on patrol on County Route 37 in the Town of Hastings, Oswego County, Trooper Anna was in the process of attempting to catch up to a Vehicle & Traffic violator when she lost control of her vehicle while rounding a curve. Trooper Anna succumbed to her injuries a few hours later. Trooper Anna was a 6-year veteran of the State Police and was assigned to SP Hastings at the time of her death.

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today delivered his 2026 State of the County Address at Turning Stone Resort Casino, outlining a sweeping vision for the county’s future centered on opportunity, innovation and community investment under a new initiative titled “250 Forward.” As the county prepares for America’s 250th anniversary, Picente is not only reflecting on the past, but focusing on long-term investments designed to strengthen housing, workforce development, public health, youth mental health and economic growth across Oneida County. “’250 Forward’ is about ensuring the American Dream remains attainable for everyone in Oneida County,” Picente said. “It is a commitment to breaking down barriers, creating opportunity and building a future where every resident has the ability to succeed no matter where they start.” As part of the initiative, Picente announced the creation of several new programs and investments, including: The adoption of a tax exemption policy that will increase the types of housing that can be incentivized and the creation of a $10 million Home Forward Investment Fund to support new housing development over the next five years. A new Veterans Capital Restoration Matching Grant Program with $500,000 dedicated to helping local American Legion and VFW posts maintain and improve their facilities. Expanded workforce development initiatives focused on manufacturing, as well as aligning residents with emerging career opportunities and preparing the community for the impact of artificial intelligence. Expanded community-based youth employment and neighborhood revitalization efforts. New coordinated efforts among non-profit and human service agencies to maximize resources and improve service delivery. Picente also announced a new youth wellness initiative that will begin with a youth summit on June 5 that will bring together students from each school district in Oneida County to discuss mental health, school safety, social pressures and the challenges facing young people today. The summit will serve as the foundation for the creation of the Oneida County Youth Wellness Cabinet, which will give students an ongoing role in shaping wellness and mental health priorities in their schools and communities. “Our young people need to have a seat at the table,” Picente said. “We need to hear directly from them about what they are facing and what they need from the adults and institutions around them.” The County Executive also announced plans to move forward with a public health order and local law banning the sale of kratom in Oneida County, citing concerns from public health officials regarding the unregulated substance. Picente further highlighted continued momentum in economic development projects across the region, including Chobani’s new natural food plant and The Runway sportsplex at Griffiss in Rome, the continued expansion of the U-District and Nexus Neighborhood in downtown Utica and the soon-to-be-completed $400 million Evolution expansion at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Throughout the speech, Picente stressed the importance of collaboration among municipalities, schools, nonprofits, businesses and community partners in addressing the county’s challenges and opportunities. “The state of Oneida County is strong,” Picente said. “Strong financially and strong physically. Strong because our people never give up. We are focused not on the rearview mirror, but on building an even better tomorrow.” A full copy of the 2026 State of the County Address speech is available here. Video of the full event is available here.

On May 23, 2026, at approximately 9:03 p.m., State Police responded to a one-vehicle fatal crash on State Route 12 near Albro Road in the town of Hamilton. Prior to the crash, Madison County 911 received reports of a Honda Pilot operating erratically on State Route 12. The preliminary investigation determined that a 2006 Honda Pilot was traveling on State Route 12 when it left the roadway and struck a guardrail. The driver and sole occupant, William L. Kilts, age 78, of West Edmeston, NY, was not wearing a seatbelt. State Police, fire personnel, and EMS attempted lifesaving measures, but Kilts was pronounced deceased on scene. The Madison County Coroner’s Office and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office assisted with the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled to determine whether a medical event may have contributed to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-fatal-crash-madison-county

Press Release State Police are responding to a commercial vehicle crash on the Thruway at Exit B1 in the town of Schodack. Investigation revealed a 2020 Freightliner tractor trailer operated by Victor Barroso-Cipriano, 36, of Bridgeport, CT, lost control while traveling westbound on the Thruway (I-90) Berksire Spur and rolled over. Speed appears to be a contributing factor. No injuries are reported. The Exit B1 westbound deceleration ramp and eastbound acceleration ramps are blocked for response and vehicle recovery. No significant traffic delays at this time. Barroso-Cipriano was issued tickets for vehicle and traffic law violations. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-responding-tractor-trailer-rollover-thruway-berkshire-spur-schodack

On May 9th, 2026 at approximately 1:10AM Utica Police units were outside of 222 Bleecker St when they heard what they believed to be a gunshot originating from inside the establishment. The supervisor on scene immediately noticed dispatched and other officers of this occurrence, and made entry inside. Upon doing so multiple parties were fleeing in an attempt to exit and the supervisor noticed several parties fighting on the ground. Security staff then informed the officers that a shot had been discharged and they had actively fought with the male who fired the shot, ultimately disarming him and pushing the gun behind the bar area. Officers immediately secured the weapon, a loaded GLOCK 9mm handgun, and conducted safety sweep of the interior of the premise to ensure that there were no injured parties. At this time the identity of the suspect was not known and the scene was secured. Upon later viewing surveillance footage it appeared as if the suspect had rushed past security while brandishing the handgun in an attempt to engage another male. While doing so, security staff then bravely intervened, struggled with, and then ultimately disarmed the male after the shot was fired. With the aid of the security footage and officer Body Worn Cameras, the suspect party, who unbeknownst to the officers initially had fled upon their entry, was positively identified. On May 12th, investigators with the Utica Police GIVE Unit, aided by members of the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force, learned that the suspect was at a location in Ilion, NY. Surveillance was set up on the location and the suspect was ultimately stopped in a vehicle as if left. The mentioned personnel, with the assistance of the Ilion Police Department, attempted to take the suspect into custody, however he actively and aggressively fought with the officers until he was placed into handcuffs. The suspect, Antar Handy, age 36 of Utica, was then transported to the Utica Police Department and charged with: Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree x2 (previous conviction, extended magazine) Criminal Possession of a Firearm Reckless Endangerment in the first degree Additional charges are being explored and may be filed in the future Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1450916290411760&set=a.223509269819141