On May 11, 2025, at approximately 12:06 p.m., troopers from State Police Haverstraw responded to a vehicle pursuit traveling northbound on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the town of Clarkstown, NY. The investigation revealed that a 2024 Subaru, had been reported stolen to the Scranton Police Department and was originally being pursued by the New Jersey Palisades Interstate Parkway Police. The New Jersey Palisades Interstate Parkway Police continued their pursuit of the vehicle into New York. Troopers joined the pursuit at Exit 7. The vehicle was pursued in New York for approximately 2 minutes, traveled approximately 2 miles, and reached speeds of over 100 MPH. The pursuit was terminated after troopers lost sight of the vehicle.  The vehicle was located a short time later, at Exit 8E ramp after it had subsequently struck a tree in a heavily wooded area. The operator, identified as a 15-year-old juvenile from Scranton, PA, sustained minor injuries, was taken into custody, and transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital. The vehicle was occupied by two additional passengers who were not charged. The 15-year-old juvenile was arrested and processed for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree (Motor Vehicle), a Class E Felony. The juvenile was later released to a legal guardian with a Family Court Appearance Ticket. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-juvenile-criminal-possession-stolen-property-following-pursuit

Press Release On May 10, 2025, at about 10:10 a.m. State Police of Fonda responded to the area of Lock 12 in Mohawk, NY, for the reports of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the Mohawk River. The driver was located outside the vehicle by the Tri-County Swift Water Rescue Team and recovered from the water. They were conscious at the time of rescue and transported to the Albany Medical Center by a medical flight for treatment. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Montgomery County Emergency Management Department, Lake Valley EMS, Tri-County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County EMS, Tribes Hill Fire Department, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Cranesville Fire Department, Amsterdam Fire Department, and Fort Hunter Volunteer Fire Company. The investigation is ongoing, and evidence indicates the SUV was intentionally driven into the water. The vehicle was carried by the strong water current before disappearing under the surface. The search for the SUV is ongoing, and the timeline for its removal is unknown at this time. The driver remains hospitalized and is anticipated to make a full recovery. Their name will not be released.

Press Release On May 6, 2025, State Police of Princetown arrested  Gina L. Luby , 53, of Schenectady, NY, for Grand Larceny in the second degree, a class “C” felony. On February 11, 2025, Troopers received a complaint from a Duanesburg, NY business reporting a theft. The investigation determined  Luby  had been employed by the business in the accounting department since January 2020. From January 2022 until December 2023,  Luby  allegedly overpaid herself without authorization or permission on multiple dates, resulting in the theft of more than $50,000 from the business. Luby  was arrested at her Schenectady home and transported to SP Princetown for processing. She was then transported to the Schenectady County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.  https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-schenectady-woman-stealing-more-50000-employer

Press Release On May 11, 2025, at approximately 12:14 p.m., troopers out of State Police Kingston responded to a report of a person located in the Plattekill Creek near Park Circle in the town of Saugerties, NY. The preliminary investigation indicated that nearby residents observed a body in the Plattekill Creek and contacted first responders. The Mount Marion Fire Department retrieved the body from the water. The victim was later identified as Stanley Christopher Waldron , age 58, of Saugerties, NY, who exhibited obvious signs of death and was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no signs of foul play. The New York State Police were assisted by the Mount Marion Fire Department and Diaz Memorial Ambulance Services. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/body-saugerties-man-recovered-plattekill-creek

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today confirmed the remains of missing hiker Leo DuFour were found off the Mt. Allen Mountain trail in Essex County. The DEC family offers our deepest condolences to the DuFour family for their loss and extends our appreciation to our dedicated Forest Rangers for their tireless efforts during the continuous and active search effort over the last few months. On the morning of Saturday, May 10, DEC received a report about remains found by a hiking party and deployed Forest Rangers, a DEC Division of Law Enforcement Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigator, and New York State Police to the location. Recovery of the subject is currently underway in coordination with State Police.  DuFour was first reported missing in December 2024. In addition to a weeks-long Ranger-led search for DuFour last December, DEC, NYSP, and agency partners continued searches this spring as snow receded across the Adirondack backcountry. https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/5/new-york-state-department-of-environmental-conservation-statement-on-recovery-of-missing-canadian-hiker-leo-dufour

Press Release UPDATE May 9, 2025 On May 9, 2025, State Police of Fonda arrested Veronica Armbruster , 59, of Delmar, NY for: Manslaughter in the second degree, a class “C” felony Vehicular Manslaughter in the second degree, a class “D” felony Driving While Intoxicated Numerous other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations The investigation has determined that Armbruster  allegedly had a 0.16% BAC at the time of the wrong-way crash that caused the death of Cole M. Sevigny on February 20, 2025. Armbruster surrendered herself to SP Fonda, where she was arrested and processed. She was then arraigned at the Amsterdam City Court, where she was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 Cash, $100,000 bond or a $100,000 partially secured bond. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ORIGINAL published February 21, 2025 On February 20*, 2025, State Police responded to the reports of a two-car crash with serious injuries on I-90 in Amsterdam, NY. On February 20*, 2025, at about 8:44 p.m., Troopers responded to I-90 westbound in Amsterdam, NY, for the reports of a two-car head-on crash.  The investigation determined a vehicle being driven by Veronica Armbruster , 59, of Selkirk, NY, was traveling eastbound (wrong-way) in the westbound lanes of the thruway when it struck a vehicle traveling westbound, being driven by Cole M. Sevigny , 26, of Hudson, NH. Both drivers needed to be extricated and were the sole occupants of their vehicles. Sevigny and Armbruster sustained serious injuries and were transported via ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. Sevigny was later pronounced deceased at Saint Mary's Hospital. Armbruster remains at Albany Medical Center and is currently listed in critical but stable condition. All I-90 westbound lanes were closed between exits 27 and 28 for approximately six hours for the investigation and collision reconstruction. The investigation into this crash is ongoing.     * T he crash was previously published to have occurred on February 19, 2025 in error and has been corrected. Sources; https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-fatal-wrong-way-thruway-crash-amsterdam

On May 7, 2025, New York State Police at Norwich and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Sidney arrested Preston L. Branagan , age of 69 of Plymouth, NY for the Agriculture and Markets Law of Torturing or Injuring Animals/Failure to Provide Sustenance (misdemeanor) and the Agriculture and Markets Law of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (class “E” felony). Troopers learned of the case in March when it was determined that two dogs were not being cared for properly on County Road 21 in Plymouth.  Troopers observed one dog on the premises that was deceased and decomposing.  A second dog that appeared to be a senior dog was tied up on a chain with a collar and appeared uncared for and malnourished with no immediate access to food or water.  That dog was surrendered to the Susquehanna SPCA for further care.  A further investigation determined the dog was suffering from muscle atrophy, dehydration, emaciation, infection and other ailments due to the living conditions and poor care.  The deceased dog was in later stages of decomposition and unable to have a necropsy performed. Branagan was processed and issued appearance tickets to the Plymouth Town Court on June 17, 2025. S ources and updates found here: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/plymouth-man-charged-animal-cruelty

In a widely expected move, the U.S. Federal Reserve has opted to keep interest rates unchanged — and investors are cheering. Markets surged on Tuesday as confidence grew that the central bank would maintain its benchmark rate between 4.25% and 4.50%, signaling a continued shift in tone from inflation-fighting hawkishness to economic stabilization. Bitcoin, ever sensitive to macro signals, is riding the wave. The flagship cryptocurrency jumped nearly 4% in the past 24 hours, trading around $97,000 as of early Wednesday, amid speculation that easier financial conditions are ahead. What the Fed’s Pause Means The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) wrapped up its two-day policy meeting on May 7, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell is expected to speak at 2:30 p.m. ET. According to CME’s FedWatch Tool, traders had priced in a staggering 99% chance the Fed would hold steady — a level of market certainty rarely seen. Driving the Fed’s cautious approach are competing forces: still-stubborn inflation, increasing consumer debt, and geopolitical uncertainties including tariffs and trade tensions with China. March’s inflation reading showed prices up 3.4% year-over-year — still well above the Fed’s 2% target. Yet, there are growing concerns that aggressively tightening policy could trigger a recession heading into the 2026 election cycle. Adding political pressure to the mix, former President Donald Trump has openly called on Powell to slash rates, claiming it would help stimulate growth and counterbalance trade-related costs. Crypto’s Moment Lower interest rates — or even just the expectation of stable ones — often act as rocket fuel for cryptocurrencies. With borrowing costs potentially set to drop later this year, investors are piling into riskier assets like Bitcoin. On-chain analytics firm Nansen reports a surge in wallet activity and stablecoin inflows, both signs that institutional and retail investors are feeling more bullish. Bitcoin’s latest gains also come as it continues to decouple, albeit slowly, from traditional equities. The S&P 500 dipped below its 200-day moving average this week — typically a bearish signal — while Bitcoin’s technical indicators remain strong. Short-term moving averages are crossing above long-term trends, often interpreted as a bullish momentum signal. Altcoins Lag Behind While Bitcoin enjoys a clear uptick, altcoins like Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche are treading water. Many traders are hesitant to go all-in until broader macroeconomic clarity emerges, such as updates on the U.S. budget deal, pending tax reform proposals, or international trade policy shifts. For now, the crypto market appears to be taking a “wait and see” stance beyond Bitcoin, with many altcoins trading sideways despite the bullish sentiment. The Bigger Picture This Fed decision reinforces a broader narrative: that the central bank is now walking a tightrope between maintaining inflation control and supporting economic growth. While today's pause doesn’t guarantee rate cuts, it adds momentum to the growing belief that the worst of the tightening cycle is behind us. For crypto investors, this could be a pivotal moment. If inflation stays in check and the Fed begins easing later this year as expected, the tailwinds for Bitcoin and the broader crypto sector could only get stronger. As the global economy shifts gears, all eyes remain on Powell’s remarks. Whether you're in traditional equities or digital assets, the message is clear: The Fed may have just opened the door to the next leg of the market rally.

On May 6, 2025, at approximately 5:12 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle crash on U.S. Route 6 in the town of Woodbury, Orange County. The incident involved a head-on collision between two vehicles, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Preliminary investigation determined that a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, operated by Noely Rafael Vargas , was traveling eastbound on U.S. Route 6 when it crossed over the double yellow line and struck a westbound 2016 Honda Civic CRX head-on. The Honda was operated by Samantha Lezin , who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Lezin was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Traveling behind the Honda was a 2018 Jeep Wrangler operated by Kiley Genevieve Metcalf , with passenger Anthony A. Bolivar Sanchez , both of whom were uninjured.  The operator of the Dodge Ram, Noely Rafael Vargas , sustained multiple leg injuries and was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown by Kiryas Joel EMS. Multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist, including Woodbury Police Department, Woodbury Fire Department, West Point Fire Department, Woodbury EMS, and Mobile Life Support Services. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the State Police Monroe Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at (845) 344-5300. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-fatal-head-crash-us-route-6-central-valley

On April 30, 2025, State Police of Wilton with the assistance of the Hudson Falls Police Department arrested  Matthew Blanding , 39, of Rensselaer, NY, on a warrant for Assault in the second degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree. On April 7, 2025, at about 4:03 p.m., Troopers responded to a home in Moreau, NY, for the reports of an assault.  The investigation determined  Blanding  and the victim, who are unknown to each other, were reportedly involved in a road rage incident that began in the area of Hudson Street in South Glens Falls, NY.  Blanding  allegedly followed the victim to the location, and when they exited their vehicle,  Blanding  threw a glass object at the victim, which subsequently hit them in the head.   Blanding  then reportedly struck the victim multiple times with his hands before a bystander broke up the altercation, and 911 was called. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. On April 28, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for Blanding by the Moreau Town Court as a result of this investigation. On April 30, 2025, the Hudson Fall Police Department located and arrested  Blanding. Blanding  was transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was arraigned at the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-rensselaer-man-following-road-rage-assault

Press Release On May 3, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., troopers from State Police Catskill received a report of a missing individual identified as Ian J. Shaham , age 31, of Catskill, NY. During the investigation, troopers responded to a residence on Cauterskill Road in Catskill to conduct the investigation. On May 4, 2025, upon return to the residence, Shaham’s body was located near the residence in the creek, deceased. There were no signs of foul play. State Police was assisted by the Greene County Sheriff's marine recovery unit. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/missing-person-located-deceased-near-residence-catskill

On May 2, 2025, at approximately 11:17 a.m., a vehicle collision occurred between a New York State Police vehicle and a passenger car.  The incident occurred on State Route 5 at Eatonville Road in the Town of Herkimer, Herkimer County. A State Trooper and the driver of the passenger car were both transported to Wynn Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.   https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-two-vehicle-crash-involving-trooper-herkimer