According to Robert Maciol, six local men have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into a violent assault that occurred in the Village of Clinton. On November 23, 2025, deputies with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office responded to Wynn Hospital to interview a victim who had been assaulted earlier that morning at an establishment on College Street. Deputies learned that at approximately 1:30 a.m., two men were inside the establishment when an altercation broke out. Authorities allege the two victims were punched and kicked by six individuals. Investigators say neither victim struck back during the incident. One of the victims sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the hospital, where he remained for several days. The second victim suffered facial injuries but did not immediately seek medical attention. Due to the severity of the injuries, the case was assigned to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit. After a three-month investigation, six individuals have now been charged in connection with the assault. Those Charged: Richard J. Delahunt, 22, of Marcy, NY Assault in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) Harassment in the Second Degree (Violation)Delahunt was processed and released on an appearance ticket. Stephan J. Dorozynski, 23, of Whitesboro, NY Gang Assault in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)He was processed, arraigned at CAP Court, and released on bail. Benjamin A. Pawlowski, 22, of Marcy, NY Gang Assault in the Second Degree (Class C Felony)He was processed, arraigned at CAP Court, and later released on bail. Edmund J. Lewandrowski III, 23, of Marcy, NY Gang Assault in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) Assault in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) Harassment in the Second Degree (Violation)He was processed, arraigned at CAP Court, and released on bail. Jordan J. Blum, 19, of Marcy, NY Gang Assault in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) Assault in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) Harassment in the Second Degree (Violation)He was processed, arraigned at CAP Court, and released on bail. Jason L. Millan Jr., 24, of Whitesboro, NY Assault in the Third Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) Harassment in the Second Degree (Violation)He was processed and released on an appearance ticket. The investigation was led by Investigator Mark R. Chrysler of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit. Authorities noted that the charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

According to Robert Maciol, a routine traffic stop in the Town of Sangerfield led to the arrest of a Hamilton man facing multiple charges, including a felony offense. On February 23, 2026, at approximately 10:18 a.m., a deputy assigned to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Waterville Field Office conducted a traffic stop as part of a warrant investigation. The stop stemmed from a previous traffic incident that occurred in the Town of Paris in November 2025. Following the investigation, authorities identified the driver as Tyler Redmond of Hamilton. Deputies determined that Redmond was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. Records revealed 42 suspensions imposed on 14 separate dates. During the stop, deputies also discovered that Redmond was allegedly in possession of a controlled substance. Redmond was taken into custody and transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building for processing. He was charged with: Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the First Degree (Class E Felony) Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree Redmond was subsequently lodged at the Oneida County Correctional Facility pending arraignment. He was later released in accordance with current New York State procedures. The investigation remains part of ongoing enforcement efforts by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office to address repeat traffic violations and related criminal activity throughout the county.

February 19, 2026 Lewis County, NY The New York State Police announced the arrest of two individuals following a criminal investigation into the death of a Lewis County woman. According to state police at Watertown and Lowville, troopers responded on October 22, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m. to a report of an unresponsive female found on a picnic table bench at a park along Otter Creek Road in the town of Glenfield. The woman was later identified as Ariel Marengo, 35, of Castorland. Authorities said there were no immediate visible signs of trauma at the scene; however, the circumstances surrounding Marengo’s death were deemed suspicious, prompting the initiation of a criminal investigation. Investigators determined that prior to her death, Marengo had been inside a vehicle parked at the Glenfield residence of Anthony R. Diangelo III. At the time, Diangelo and Kyle T. Simpson were reportedly inside the home. Simpson was identified as an acquaintance of the decedent. Further investigation revealed that Marengo’s body was later moved and left at the park on Otter Creek Road. As a result of the investigation, state police arrested both men. Simpson, 31, of Lowville, was charged with Concealment of a Human Corpse, a Class E felony; Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony; Obstruction of Governmental Administration; Resisting Arrest; and Removal of a Body Without a Permit in violation of Public Health Law §4144, an unclassified misdemeanor. He was arraigned in the Town of Watson Court and remanded without bail. Diangelo, 31, of Glenfield, was charged with Concealment of a Human Corpse, a Class E felony; Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony; and Removal of a Body Without a Permit under Public Health Law §4144. He was taken into custody and is pending arraignment in Lewis County CAP Court. Bail status will be determined following arraignment. State police said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-two-lewis-county-death-investigation

February 23, 2026 Winthrop, NY The New York State Police have charged a Winthrop man in connection with the theft of an excavator from a St. Lawrence County worksite. State police announced that on February 20, 2026, troopers charged Darin R. Collins, 46, of Winthrop, with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a felony offense involving property valued in excess of $3,000. According to investigators, troopers responded on October 9, 2025, at approximately 6:44 p.m. to County Route 48 in the town of Stockholm following a report of a stolen excavator. The investigation determined that a Komatsu excavator had been taken from a worksite along County Route 48. The machine was equipped with a GPS tracking system, which later lost connection that evening. The excavator was eventually located on the Canadian portion of the Akwesasne Indian Reservation. Troopers coordinated with Tribal Police as part of the cross-jurisdictional investigation. Further investigation determined that Collins was responsible for stealing the excavator and abandoning it in Snye, Quebec, authorities said. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for Collins. He was later located, taken into custody, and transported to SP Massena for processing. Collins was arraigned in the Town of Louisville Court and remanded to the St. Lawrence County Jail without bail. Contact: Trooper Brandi M. Ashley Troop B Public Information Officer

February 19, 2026 Albany, NY The New York State Police announced Thursday the termination of Investigator Michael O'Flaherty after he pleaded guilty to federal charges of making false statements to federal investigators. According to state police officials, O'Flaherty was assigned to Troop K and was placed on administrative duties at the outset of the federal investigation in the fall of 2022. He was subsequently suspended following his arrest in November 2024. On February 19, 2026, his employment with the agency was formally terminated. The federal case was prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. State police officials said the agency fully cooperated with federal authorities from the beginning of the investigation, working closely with both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The New York State Police Professional Standards Bureau coordinated with federal partners throughout the matter. “Accountability is not optional within this organization; it is foundational,” the agency stated. In a statement released Thursday, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James strongly condemned O'Flaherty’s actions. “Michael O'Flaherty's actions are a betrayal of the public trust and the oath he took as a member of the New York State Police,” James said. “Every member of our agency is entrusted with extraordinary responsibility. When someone abuses that responsibility, it undermines the confidence our communities place in us and compromises the work of the dedicated professionals who serve honorably every day.” James emphasized that misconduct will not be tolerated within the ranks of the agency. “We will not tolerate conduct that violates the law, our policies or ethical standards. The vast majority of our members carry out their duties with integrity, courage, and professionalism. When one individual fails to meet those standards, we act decisively, and we hold them accountable,” he said.“I remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism to ensure the trust of the communities we serve.” Additional details regarding the federal case are available through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Contact: Mr. Beau DuffyExecutive Director of Public Information

Press Release The New York State Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the operator and/or owner of a pickup truck in connection with an ongoing investigation at Empire State Mines located on Pumohouse Road in the town of Fowler. The vehicle is described as an older model Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck. It has a red cab and front end with a darker colored (green or gray) bed and rear quarter panels. The truck is equipped with black wheels, a chrome front bumper, chrome running boards/side steps, and a light-colored toolbox mounted in the bed. Anyone with information regarding this vehicle or its operator is asked to contact the New York State Police at 315-379-0012.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-seek-publics-assistance-identifying-vehicle

Update: February 17, 2026: The suspect involved in the trooper-involved shooting in the town of Rochester is identified as Benjamin Scism, 33, of Accord, NY. He remains in critical condition at Westchester Medical Center. Scism is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4 th  degree and menacing 2 nd  degree, both class A misdemeanors. The State Police members involved are identified below. All are assigned to Troop F: --Trooper Stephen A. Sawyer --Trooper Jeremy D. Pekoff --Trooper Ariel B. Grant The investigation into the incident is ongoing.  Original press release, February 16, 2026: On February 16, 2026, at about 12:42 p.m., New York State Troopers from SP Ellenville responded to a report of a male subject holding a handgun while walking southbound on Queens Highway toward State Route 209 in the town of Rochester. Upon arrival, Troopers observed an individual matching the description provided by the caller to Ulster County 911. Troopers issued multiple commands for the subject to show his hands; however, the individual refused to comply and subsequently displayed what appeared to be a handgun. At that point, Troopers discharged their duty weapons, striking the subject. Troopers immediately rendered medical aid and requested emergency medical services. The individual was transported from the scene by Kerhonkson-Accord Rescue Ambulance and was subsequently airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the handgun possessed by the individual, which is pictured above, was a pellet gun. The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, but will be released with the next update. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the New York State Police SP Ellenville Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300 Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-trooper-involved-shooting-ulster-county

The New York State Police continue to investigate the explosion at the Abundant Life Fellowship church located on the 4930 block of State Route 12 in the Town of Boonville, Oneida County. The investigation indicates that a propane fuel line was damaged due to roof slumping caused by heavy snow accumulation. Fire department personnel were attempting to locate the electrical panel to shut off power to the building prior to addressing the propane leak when the explosion occurred. Four individuals were in the basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion. One firefighter was on the first floor attempting to ventilate the structure and was thrown against a wall by the blast. The following individuals are currently being treated at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse: David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief, is listed in fair condition. Brandon Pitts, 43, Pastor of the church, is listed in fair condition. Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville FD, is listed in critical condition. Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville FD, is listed in critical condition. A fifth individual, Allan Austin, age 67, Boonville Fire Department, was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica. The church sustained catastrophic damage and is considered destroyed. There is no indication of criminal activity at this time. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigating-explosion-boonville-church-0

BOONVILLE, N.Y. —  A powerful explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church in the Village of Boonville on Monday morning left five people critically injured, prompted major road closures, and caused catastrophic damage to the building, according to authorities. New York State Police  said first responders were dispatched to the church, located on the 4930 block of State Route 12, at approximately 10:23 a.m. after individuals inside reported the smell of gas. During the emergency response, a member of the Boonville Fire Department  entered the structure, and an explosion occurred while firefighters were inside. Five Hospitalized Following Boonville Church Explosion State Police identified the injured as: David Pritchard Jr., 60, Boonville Fire Chief Brandon Pitts, 43, pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship Church Allan Austin, 67, Boonville Fire Department Nicholas Amicucci, 43, Boonville Fire Department Richard Czajka, 71, Boonville Fire Department Four of the injured were transported to Upstate University Hospital , while one individual was taken to Wynn Hospital . Hospital officials report all five patients are currently listed in critical but stable condition. Investigation Ongoing, No Criminal Activity Suspected Officials stated the church was heated by propane cylinders, though the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Authorities emphasized that, at this time, there is no indication of criminal activity related to the incident. County Executive Responds Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente  released a statement expressing sympathy and support for those affected. “I am deeply saddened by the explosion at Abundant Life Fellowship Church and am praying for all those impacted,” Picente said. “Our thoughts are especially with the Boonville firefighters and church members who were injured. I commend the bravery and professionalism of our first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others.” Picente added that Oneida County remains in close communication with local officials and emergency services and stands ready to provide assistance as the investigation continues. Route 12 Closed in Boonville As emergency operations and the investigation continue, New York State Route 12  remains closed in both directions. Southbound Route 12 is shut down at Potato Hill Road, while northbound traffic is closed at Kerwin Road in the Town of Boonville. Officials say the duration of the closure is currently unknown. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and use alternate routes to allow emergency crews and investigators to continue their work safely. Authorities say additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

On February 12, 2026, State Police arrested Jake W. Quick, 31, of Carlisle, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, a class “C” felony, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, a class “D” Felony, and a violation of the Environmental Conservation Law. On February 12, 2026, at about 1:37 p.m., troopers responded to the report of a disturbance at a home in Carlisle. Quick, who was reportedly involved in the verbal dispute, was located in a vehicle attempting to leave the residence upon law enforcement’s arrival. During the investigation, troopers discovered and seized multiple firearms. Two of the firearms were illegally possessed. In addition, two illegally possessed high-capacity magazines were also located in Quick’s home and seized. Quick did not threaten the use of any firearm during the dispute. Quick was arrested at the scene and transported to SP Cobleskill for processing. He was then transported to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility to await arraignment. Sources: http://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-carlisle-man-illegal-firearm-possession-after-dispute-investigation

On February 11, 2026, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Violent Felony Warrant in Troop NYC arrested Bin Shao, 56 of Flushing Queens, NY for Manslaughter 2nd degree- 5 counts (C Felony) and Criminally Negligent Homicide- 5 counts (E Felony). Shao has been processed by NYSP. Shao was transported to Genesee County Jail and arraigned on February 13, 2026, on a sealed indictment. Shao was remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $100,000 bail, $200,000 Bond, and $400,000 Partially Secured Bond. On August 22, 2025, at 12:20 P.M., Troopers out of SP Buffalo, Troop T responded to a tour bus rollover collision on Interstate 90 (mm403.8), eastbound between exits 48A and 49 in the town of Pembroke, Genesee County. Investigation determined that a 2005 Van Hool Bus and Coach tour bus owned by M&Y Tour Inc out of Staten Island, NY was traveling eastbound on the I-90 from Niagara Falls, NY to New York City. The bus exited the roadway into the median, then abruptly corrected, causing the bus to overturn and roll off the I-90 on the south embankment. Multiple passengers were ejected, trapped with 5 deceased at the scene. Forty-nine passengers were taken to multiple hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, Buffalo General Hospital, Osheis (Golisano) Children’s Hospital, and United Memorial Medical Center. Approximately 319 first responders assisted on scene, including Mercy Flight, EMS, and local, state, and county police departments. The bus had a total of 54 occupan,ts including the operator, Bin Shao. He had no signs of impairment, and the tour bus had no preliminary mechanical failure. The five deceased resulting from this collision. Shankar Kumar Jha, 65 of Madhu Bani, India Pinki Changrani, 60 of East Brunswick NJ Xie Hongzhuo, 22 of Beijing, China a Columbia University Student NYC Zhang Xiaolan, 55 of Jersey City, NJ Jian Mingli, 56 of Jersey City, NJ The Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, The Office of Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Authority, Genesee County Emergency Management, Erie County Emergency Management, Newstead Emergency Management, Genesee County District Attorney’s Office, National Traffic Safety Board, Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, Genesee County Coroner’s Office, New York State Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and numerous EMS, the Red Cross and Fire Companies thought out the area assisted in this incident. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-operator-fatal-bus-collision-genesee-county

The New York State Police have arrested a New York State Department of Transportation employee following an investigation into the theft of state property and official misconduct. On February 4, 2026, State Police in Oneida received a larceny complaint from the New York State Department of Transportation Investigations Bureau regarding an incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., at a DOT facility located at 635 Lenox Avenue in the City of Oneida, Madison County. An investigation conducted by members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that  Tina L. Barretta , age 59, of Rome, NY, while employed as a maintenance worker with the New York State Department of Transportation, allegedly directed that approximately 10 tons of asphalt millings be loaded into a DOT truck during work hours. The material was subsequently transported to a private residence on Wood Creek Road in the Town of Rome, Oneida County, where it was deposited without authorization. The value of the asphalt millings is estimated at approximately $250. The investigation also determined that a State vehicle was used in the commission of the offense. On February 5, 2026, Barretta voluntarily responded to SP Oneida, where she was arrested and charged with: Petit Larceny (PL 155.25), Class A Misdemeanor Official Misconduct (PL 195.00), Class A Misdemeanor Barretta was processed and released on appearance tickets returnable to Oneida City Court on February 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.   The New York State Police were assisted in this investigation by the New York State Department of Transportation Investigations Bureau. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-nysdot-employee-following-investigation-theft-and-official-misconduct