On March 10, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., State Police responded to Coye Road in the town of LaFayette for a motorcycle crash with injuries. A preliminary investigation revealed a black 2023 Can-Am three wheeled motorcycle, operated by Christopher Carlson, age 42, of Jamesville, NY, was traveling north on Coye Road when he lost control, exited the west side of the roadway, and struck a culvert and rock retaining wall near a driveway, ejecting him from the motorcycle. Carlson was transported to Upstate University Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, a City of Rome man was arrested after an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred in the Town of Lee. On March 10th, 2026, Road Patrol Deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic incident that had occurred the day prior. During an investigation into the matter, Deputies learned that the suspect, Ameen Alomari, age 23, had broken the window to the victim's vehicle, unlocked the door and then placed his hands on her neck and forcefully removed her from the vehicle before leaving the scene. At the conclusion of the investigation, Alomari was taken into custody and charged with the following: -Robbery 2nd, sub 3, a Class C felony -Grand Larceny 4th, sub 8, a Class E felony -Criminal Obstruction of Breathing, a Class A misdemeanor -Criminal Mischief 4th, sub 1, a Class A misdemeanor -Menacing 3rd, a Class B misdemeanor -Harassment 2nd, a violation Alomari was processed at the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Building where he was held pending an arraignment in CAP Court.

Press Release On March 4, 2026, at approximately 6:29 p.m., New York State Police from the Brewster barracks (SP Brewster) responded to assist the Village of Brewster Police Department with a hit-and-run property damage auto accident at the Sinclair gas station located at 494 Main Street in the Village of Brewster. While canvassing the area, troopers located a vehicle matching the description in a rear parking lot on Main Street. The operator, identified as Julian M. Castillo, 22, of Brewster, New York, displayed signs of intoxication. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered, which Castillo subsequently failed. Further investigation revealed that two children, ages 9 months and 2 years old, were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Castillo was taken into custody and transported to SP Brewster for processing, where he submitted a chemical breath test that yielded a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11%. The children were safely released to a sober third party. As a result of the investigation, Castillo was charged with the following: Two counts of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger (Leandra’s Law), a class E felony Driving While Intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor Vehicle and Traffic Law violations Castillo was issued traffic tickets returnable to the Village of Brewster Court on March 23, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/brewster-man-charged-leandras-law-following-hit-and-run-crash

Press Release On March 7, 2026, at approximately 1:55 p.m., troopers from SP Auburn observed a dirt bike-style motorcycle traveling eastbound on Genesee Street in the city of Auburn while performing wheelies in traffic. A traffic stop was initiated. The operator of the motorcycle, a 16-year-old male, accelerated away from the trooper, passing multiple vehicles and continuing to perform wheelies while traveling eastbound on Genesee Street. As the motorcycle approached the intersection of Genesee Street and William Street, the operator failed to stop for a red traffic signal and struck the rear corner of a pickup truck that was lawfully traveling through the intersection on a green light. The 16-year-old was transported by ambulance to Upstate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The operator of the pickup truck was not injured in the collision. The investigation is ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/juvenile-motorcyclist-injured-after-striking-vehicle-while-fleeing-traffic-stop

On March 5, 2026, at approximately 1:25 a.m., State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 (NYS Thruway) westbound near mile marker 243.7 in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida County. The preliminary investigation determined that a tractor trailer operated by Ahmad Riyad Alomori, age 42, of New Jersey, was traveling westbound in the right lane while hauling an empty car carrier for A1 Truck Lines. A second tractor trailer, operated by a driver with DNT Express, subsequently struck the rear of the car hauler. Both vehicles were pushed to the right shoulder following the collision. The male operator of the DNT Express tractor trailer sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Alomori sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wynn Hospital for evaluation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James has appointed Marc A. Barbera, age 52, of Oneonta, NY, as the 35th Troop Commander of Troop D. Major Barbera began his career with the State Police on April 24, 2000, when he entered the New York State Police Academy. In January 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to SP Somers in Troop K. In 2010, he was appointed Station Commander and over the next five years served at SP Oneonta. In February 2015, Major Barbera was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to SP Marcy. On February 5, 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and served in several assignments, including SP Marcy in Troop D, Administrative Captain at Troop C Headquarters, and at SP Binghamton and SP Oneonta. Major Barbera is a resident of Delaware County and a 1996 graduate of Cazenovia College. Major Barbera’s appointment as Troop D Commander became effective February 26, 2026. He replaces Kevin M. Reilly, who was promoted to Staff Inspector and assigned to Division Headquarters - Field Command. Major Barbera’s command covers seven counties in Central New York, including Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego. Operating from 27 facilities, the men and women of Troop D provide service to 167 towns, 89 villages, and five cities. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-announce-major-marc-barbera-35th-troop-commander-troop-d

On March 4, 2026, at approximately 4:37 a.m., New York State Police at Norwich responded to 1092 County Road 37 in Mount Upton for a report of a plow truck that struck a house. An investigation determined that a Chenango County Highway Department plow was traveling west on County Road 37 salting the roadway when due to slick road conditions, the plow truck lost traction going up the hill.  The plow truck rolled back down the hill while the operator attempted to regain control of the plow truck but was unable to and damaged a trailer, fence, road sign then struck the house. No injuries were reported.   Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/plow-truck-strikes-house-chenango-county

VERONA, N.Y. (Feb. 27, 2026)  — A 30-year-old Verona man has been arrested following a domestic incident investigation that led authorities to discover multiple illegal firearms and resulted in several felony and misdemeanor charges, according to Robert Maciol, Sheriff of Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Domestic Call Leads to Investigation On February 26, 2026, Road Patrol Deputies were dispatched by the Oneida County Emergency Services 911 Center to a residence in the Town of Verona for a reported domestic incident. Authorities said that prior to deputies arriving at the scene, the suspect had reportedly left the residence in a vehicle. While deputies were responding, the suspect’s vehicle was located after it had gone off the roadway. As that incident was being investigated, additional deputies responded to the residence to continue investigating the domestic complaint. According to the Sheriff’s Office, an argument had reportedly ensued between the suspect and the victim over property. During the dispute, the suspect allegedly took the victim’s cell phone while the victim was attempting to call 911 for police assistance. Investigators said the victim then obtained a second phone and retreated to a bedroom to again call 911. While the victim was inside the bedroom and on the phone with emergency dispatchers, the suspect allegedly began damaging the bedroom door in an attempt to gain entry. Upon realizing the victim was speaking with 911, the suspect reportedly left the residence in a vehicle. Illegal Firearms Discovered While investigating the domestic incident, deputies located several illegal firearms and ammunition magazines inside the residence. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit assisted with the ongoing investigation. Arrest and Charges At the conclusion of the investigation, authorities arrested Nasear L. Walker, 30, of Verona , charging him with: Driving While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor) Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (Class A Misdemeanor, 2 counts) Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class D Felony, 5 counts) Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony, 3 counts) Walker was transported to the Oneida County Correctional Facility to await arraignment in CAP Court. Court Appearance and Bail On February 27, 2026, Walker appeared in CAP Court, where he was remanded to the correctional facility on bail set at: $1,500 cash or credit card $5,000 insurance company bail bond $14,900 partially secured appearance bond with a 10% deposit Authorities confirmed that Walker was able to post bail and has since been released from custody. An Order of Protection was issued on behalf of the victim. The investigation remains ongoing.

February 25, 2026 On February 25, 2026, at approximately 11:36 a.m., officers from the Town of Vestal Police responded to a report of an individual experiencing a mental health crisis in the area of 581 Sequoia Lane. Upon arrival, officers encountered an individual who was in possession of a knife and threatening self-harm.   During the course of the interaction, officers made numerous requests for the individual to drop the knife.  The individual ignored commands and threw a television at officers. Officers continued to make repeated verbal commands and multiple attempts to de-escalate the situation.  The individual then threatened officers, raised the knife and advanced toward an officer. Despite the continued de-escalation efforts, shots were fired and the individual was struck. Officers immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical personnel arrived.  The individual was transported to Wilson Medical Center.  No officers were injured during the incident. In the interest of transparency, the Town of Vestal Police Department has requested the New York State Police conduct an independent investigation into the circumstance surrounding the shooting. There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

February 26, 2026 MOREAU, N.Y. — The New York State Police announced the arrest of a Moreau man following an arson investigation stemming from a garage fire reported in late 2024. According to a State Police press release, troopers from Wilton arrested **Brian A. Lemery**, 69, of Moreau on February 23, 2026. Lemery has been charged with arson in the third degree, a Class C felony; burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony; and criminal mischief in the second degree, also a Class D felony. The charges stem from an incident reported on December 3, 2024, when troopers responded to a garage fire on Jackson Road in Moreau. Following an investigation, State Police determined that Lemery allegedly entered the garage without permission and intentionally set the fire, causing more than $1,500 in damage to the structure. Lemery was arrested at his residence and transported to State Police Wilton for processing. He was later arraigned in Saratoga County Court, where he was released under the supervision of the Saratoga County Probation Department. The investigation remains closed following the arrest, according to State Police. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-moreau-man-following-arson-investigation

Press Release On February 24, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the New York State Police were notified of a missing hiker on the Crane Pond Trail in the town of Schroon. An investigation determined that Theodore S. Troth, age 51, of The Villages, FL, began renting a cabin at Rowe’s Adirondack Cabins, located on State Route 9 in the town of Schroon, on January 25, 2026. On February 19, 2026, Troth was last seen leaving the cabin to go hiking on the Crane Pond Trail. On February 24, 2026, the cabin owner became concerned when Troth failed to check out as scheduled. After going to the cabin and discovering Troth was not present, the owner notified authorities. A coordinated search effort was established involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Forest Rangers, and State Police. State Police deployed K-9 and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) units, while Forest Rangers utilized snowmobiles to assist in covering the terrain. At approximately 6:24 p.m. on February 24, 2026, Forest Rangers located Troth at the south end of Oxshoe Pond, accessible from the Crane Pond Trailhead. Troth was found deceased, and the scene showed no signs of foul play. The Essex County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and requested the removal of the body. Troth was transported to Glens Falls Hospital for an autopsy. The date and time of the autopsy are to be determined. This investigation remains ongoing.

Update: On February 25, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., a Trooper from SP Homer (Interstate) was dispatched to a report of multiple vehicles involved in a crash on Interstate 81 northbound near exit 52 in the city of Cortland. An investigation determined that at some point, an unknown vehicle struck a guardrail, causing a portion of it to lay across the roadway.  The crash was not reported, and the operator did not remain on scene. Four operators in four separate vehicles subsequently struck the guiderail that was lying in the roadway, resulting in damage to their vehicles.  No injuries were reported. Weather is believed to be a contributing factor.  Troopers from SP Homer and SP Marathon and members of the Department of Transportation assisted with lane closures.    Update: Just after 7 a.m., the left lane on Interstate 81 north near exit 50 has reopened. Please continue to use caution in the area.   Original Press Release: Interstate 81 north near exit 50 (Polkville/McGraw) is shut down due to multiple crashes. Slick roadways are a contributing factor. No injuries have been reported as of 7 am.  Please avoid the area. Motorists planning to travel through Cortland County are urged to use extra caution and take it slow. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-multiple-crashes-81-north-slow-morning-commute