On March 15, 2025, State Police members arrested Collen J. Gardner, age 48, of Sheldon, VT, on multiple charges, including two counts of menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree (previous conviction), and two counts of attempted assault in the second degree with intent to cause physical injury. On March 13, 2025, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Troopers responded to a complaint about an abandoned vehicle on Fish and Game Way in the town of Westport. Upon arrival, they located a blue 2012 Nissan Versa approximately 40 yards off the north shoulder of the road, with damage to the front door handles and windshield. The vehicle appeared to be stuck on a snowmobile trail leading to Mountain Spring Road. A search of the VIN revealed that the vehicle belonged to Gardner, who was considered missing and wanted by the Vermont State Police. On March 13, 2025, a multi-agency search for Collen J. Gardner was initiated. Various agencies searched the wooded areas and nearby camps surrounding his abandoned vehicle. On March 14, 2025, New York State Forest Rangers spotted Gardner and directed him to stop. In response, Gardner fired a shot in the vicinity of the forest rangers and fled from law enforcement. A safety perimeter was established in the surrounding areas as law enforcement continued their search. On March 15, 2025, Gardner was located by members of the Clinton County Sheriff's Department, Essex County Sheriff's Department, and a State Police member, as he walked on the ice of Lake Champlain toward Crown Point. When confronted, he was in possession of what appeared to be a black rifle. Following commands from law enforcement, Gardner dropped the weapon and continued walking on unsafe ice conditions.  Due to the hazardous ice conditions, law enforcement agencies chose not to intervene at that moment but set up a perimeter around the area. At approximately 1:15 p.m., he was arrested near Crown Point State Park without incident by State Police, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, and Forest Rangers. Gardner was given medical attention and transported to SP Lewis for further questioning and processing. He was subsequently arraigned in the Town of Westport Court and remanded to Essex County Jail without bail. The State Police received assistance from the Essex County Sheriff's Department, Clinton County Sheriff's Department, New York State Forest Rangers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Tri-County SORT, Westport Fire, and the Essex County District Attorney's Office. During the manhunt, the State Police utilized multiple units, including NYSP SORT, UTVs, ATVs, snowmobiles, and K9s. Vermont State Police were informed that Gardner was arrested and is being held at Essex County Jail. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/manhunt-town-westport-leads-arrest

State Police Seize $400K, Guns, and Drugs in Oneida County According to NY State Police, on January 15, 2025, the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, alongside the Special Operations Response Team, Canine Unit, and uniformed officers, executed a search warrant at 8422 Meadows Road in Annsville, Oneida County. As a result of the operation, State Police seized 12 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, eight long guns, over $400,000 in U.S. currency, as well as drug packaging materials and scales.  Following an extensive investigation, on February 27, 2025, members of the New York State Police Troop D Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team, U.S. Marshals (NYNJRFTF), Oneida County Sheriffs Office, Utica Police Department, and Oneida County Probation located and apprehended the primary suspect, Ted A. Croniser, 53, from Taberg, NY. Croniser was taken into custody at a residence on Glenridge Drive in Annsville.  During the arrest, Jessica L. Centro, 38, from Taberg, NY, attempted to conceal Croniser and obstruct the apprehension. As a result, she was also taken into custody.  Charges:    Ted A. Croniser: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree (Class A-II Felony)   Jessica L. Centro: Hindering Prosecution 1st Degree (Class D Felony) and Obstruction of Governmental Administration (Class A Misdemeanor)   Both individuals are currently being held at the Oneida County Jail, pending centralized arraignment.  Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Press Release On March 11, 2025, State Police of the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit arrested Daval Byrams , 22, of Troy, NY, and Angel M. Madera,  30, of Rensselaer ,  each for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the first degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree. On March 11, 2025, at about 9:30 p.m., Troopers located Byrams  and Madera walking in the area of State Street in Schenectady, NY.  Due to an active and ongoing drug investigation, both individuals were interviewed, and further investigation discovered they possessed approximately 8 pounds of a controlled substance that field tested positive for cocaine, which was seized. Both were arrested and transported to SP Latham for processing. They were then transported to the Schenectady County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

WHEATFIELD, NY  – A Wheatfield man is facing numerous weapons-related charges following a police investigation. On February 26, 2025, the New York State Police (NYSP) Community Stabilization Unit arrested Justin A. Schoelles, 43, of Wheatfield, NY , on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including: Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd – Assault Weapon  (2 counts, D Felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd – Silencer  (2 counts, D Felony) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd – High-Capacity Magazines  (20 counts, D Felony) Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor  (A Misdemeanor) Unlawful Possession or Sale of Noxious Materials  (B Misdemeanor) Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Niagara Road in the town of Wheatfield , with officers from Troop A Community Stabilization Unit, Special Investigations Unit Buffalo, CTIU NICS West, SP Lockport BCI, and the NYSP Bomb Disposal Unit  participating in the operation. During the search, multiple weapons were seized as evidence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)  was notified and responded to assist in the investigation. Schoelles was taken into custody, processed at SP Lockport , and later transported to Niagara County Jail  for centralized arraignment.

Press Release On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., New York State Police at Homer arrested Gordon L. Darling , age 51 of Cortland, NY for the class “D” felony of Assault in the second degree.   Troopers were dispatched by the Cortland County 911 Center to reports of a disturbance between two males at residence on Tower Road in the town of Cortlandville.  An investigation determined that Darling and another male got into a physical altercation while outside the residence where ultimately Darling struck the victim in the head with a sock filled with rocks.   The victim was transported by TLC Ambulance to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center where he was treated and released.   Darling was processed at SP Homer and then transported to the Cortland County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment.  https://troopers.ny.gov/news/man-arrested-after-striking-another-sock-filled-rocks

Press Release On March 9, 2025, at approximately 3:09 PM, New York State Troopers patrolling westbound on the Southern State Parkway observed a Ford Taurus, bearing Florida registration CKKI63, stopped on the Exit 41S ramp. When the Troopers attempted to check on the vehicle, the driver made an illegal left turn and fled, dangerously traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Bayshore Road. Troopers pursued the vehicle, which ultimately crashed into the guide rail on the southbound Sagtikos State Parkway at the Exit S3 ramp. The driver, identified as Samuel Colon, 50, of Bay Shore, refused multiple lawful orders and was removed from the vehicle.  Colon showed signs of intoxication and was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).  During the investigation, Troopers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun on the front passenger floorboard, along with cocaine on Colon’s person. The rooper's investigation determined that the loaded handgun and vehicle in Colon’s possession were reported stolen. Colon was charged with Driving While Under the Influence (E Felony), Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer 3rd ( A Misdemeanor), Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor), Obstruct Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor), Reckless Endangerment 2nd ( A Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (Unclassified Misdemeanor), Criminal Possession Stolen Property 5th (A Misdemeanor), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony), Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd ( B Felony), Criminal Possession Stolen Property 4th (E Felony), Criminal Possession Stolen Property 4th – Firearms ( E Felony) , Unauthorized Use Vehicle, Without Owner Consent ( A Misdemeanor) along with numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Thanks to the trooper's keen observations, dangerous drugs and a loaded handgun were removed from the community. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-pursuit-wrong-way-driver-leads-gun-and-drug-seizure

On March 11, 2025, at approximately 9:24 a.m., the New York State Police and multiple fire departments responded to a reported residential structure fire at 16215 Witt Road in the Town of Brownville. While working to extinguish the fire, firefighters discovered a deceased individual inside the residence. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification by the Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. Responding agencies included the New York State Police Watertown, Town of Brownville Fire Department, Three Mile Bay Fire Department, Clayton Fire Department, Chaumont Fire Department, Glen Park Fire Department, Northpole Fire Department, Town of Watertown Fire Department, Guilfoyle Ambulance Service, Jefferson County Office of Fire and Emergency Management, New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Legislator Schiebel Secures Village Grant Village streets in the village of Vernon NY will shine a little brighter thanks to an Oneida County grant secured by County legislator Keith Schiebel.  “Lite the Way for Safe Village Streets” will provide $80,000 to the village to renovate, upgrade, and improve street lighting along the Route 5 corridor of the village.   Due to the high-traffic corridor and home or near to some of the County’s largest attractions, including Vernon Downs Casino, the Turning Stone Resort, 3 Bastards Brewing, and Dibble’s Inn Orchard and Estate, the village receives this funding as part of the County’s tourism initiatives.  Oneida County continues to see economic growth in tourism activities across the County and supports our local communities by partnering with local businesses and attractions.   The County’s Economic Development and Tourism committee, chaired by Schiebel, approved the contract at their February Board of Legislators meeting.  The village has until December 31, 2026 to complete the project. The current village lighting was installed in 2000 and is need of the upgrades to the lighting fixtures to maintain a safe environment for village residents and visitors.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, at around 3:50PM, Road Patrol Deputies responded to a Train/pedestrian accident in the City of Rome. The accident occurred on CSX Rail Road between the Rome train station on Martin Street and the Route 49 overpass from East Dominick Street.  An initial investigation revealed that an adult women was walking the train tracks when a passing Amtrac passenger train hooked onto the backpack that the female was wearing. As a result the female was drug along the side of the train and train tracks for a short distance until her backpack ripped and freed the women. At this time the women was taken to Wynn Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing and criminal charges will be filed at a later time.  As a reminder to the public, it is a  criminal offense to be on Rail Road property and/or the right of way.  Oneida County Sheriff's Road Patrol was assisted on scene by AmCare Ambulance, Rome Fire Department, Rome Police, New York State Police, and members of CSX.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M Maciol, on 03/10/2025 Patricia M. Bright, 72 of Nedrow, NY was arrested for leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident without reporting, a class D felony. Bright was arrested following an investigation conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit into the Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash that occurred on March 3, 2025, on Route 365 in the Town of Verona and resulted in the death of Timothy D. Sullivan of Oneida, NY. Bright voluntarily surrendered herself and was booked at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office before being arraigned at Oneida County CAP Court. Following the arraignment, she was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled to appear at the Town of Verona Court on a later date. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their numerous tips following the original news release, as well as the Oneida Indian Nation Police Department and NYS Police for their assistance during the investigation.

On March 6, 2025, Morgan, a patient at the medical center, violently attacked a 74-year-old employee and forcefully removed their hospital ID access card. Morgan then used the ID card to escape from the behavioral health unit and fled the hospital on foot. An organized search of the surrounding area was conducted with assistance from the Middletown Police Department, the Wallkill Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, but the search was unsuccessful. On March 7, 2025, Morgan was located and arrested by the Port Jervis Police Department near 291 East Main Street in Port Jervis. He was then turned over to the custody of the New York State Police and arrested for Robbery in the 2nd Degree (Class C Felony). In addition, Morgan was arrested for Making a Terroristic Threat (Class D Felony) in connection with an incident that occurred on February 22, 2025. On that date, Morgan used a phone belonging to Garnet Health Medical Center to call in bomb threats to several local law enforcement agencies in Orange County. Morgan was arraigned today in the city of Middletown Court on the charges and remanded to the Orange County Jail. Bail was set at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $750,000 partially secured bond. The New York State Police would like to thank the public for providing numerous tips during this investigation. We also extend our gratitude to the Port Jervis Police Department, the Middletown Police Department, and the Wallkill Police Department for their valuable assistance. On March 7, 2025 , the New York State Police, Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), announced the arrest of Christopher M. Morgan, 40, of Port Jervis, NY, following a violent incident at Garnet Health Medical Center. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-christopher-m-morgan-following-violent-incident-garnet-health-medical

Update:  4:00 pm Cooper St in Westmoreland has been reopened at this time. WESTMORELAND, N.Y. –  A fatal single-car crash early morning, Sun, Mar 9, claimed the life of a 22-year-old Westmoreland man, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. At approximately 1:05 a.m., Road Patrol deputies responded to the scene on Cooper Street between Station Hill Road and Creaser Road. Authorities say Cody Tarkowski, 22, was driving a 2012 Nissan Titan pickup truck westbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the northern shoulder and collided with a telephone pole. Tarkowski was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Gabrielle Gerace, 26, also of Westmoreland, sustained minor injuries and was transported to Wynn Hospital by COCVAC Ambulance for evaluation. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, along with the Forensic Identification Unit and the Reconstruction Team, is investigating the crash. The New York State Police, Westmoreland Fire Department, and COCVAC assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.