On July 26, 2024, at 01:05 p.m., State Police responded to County Route 49 in the town of Rutland for a motorcycle accident with injuries. A preliminary investigation revealed a green 2024 Kawasaki ZX14R operated by Adam L. Lyon, age 31, from Bridgeport, NY, was traveling southwest on County Route 49 with another uninvolved motorcycle. Lyon appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a curve, striking a metal culvert and ejecting him from the motorcycle. Lyon was transported to Samaritan Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The investigation is continuing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigate-motorcycle-fatal-rutland

UPDATE: The pilot and sole occupant of the helicopter has been identified as Gary R. Johnson, age 65, from Carthage, NY. On July 27, 2024, at about 11:16 a.m., State Police responded to the area of 64 Liberty Street in the village of West Carthage for a report of a helicopter crash. A preliminary investigation revealed the operator of the helicopter was seriously injured and transported to Carthage Area Hospital; where he was later pronounced deceased. FAA and NTSB are responding to the scene to continue the investigation. Further information will be released from the FAA and NTSB. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-respond-helicopter-crash-village-west-carthage

UPDATED INFORMATION: On 05/16/24, Howard N. Griswold Jr. was indicted by a Oneida County Grand Jury, and an indictment warrant was issued for his arrest for his involvement in the incident. On 07/12/24, Griswold Jr., who is currently incarcerated in the Atlantic County Jail, State of New Jersey on Murder Charges stemming from a separate incident that occurred in that state was virtually arrested and arraigned on the warrant by Oneida County Court.  The defendant was charged with the following charges: - Criminal Possession of a controlled substance 3rd, PL 220.16 - Manslaughter 2nd, PL 125.15 - Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd, PL 125.12 - Unlawful fleeing from a police officer 1st, PL 270.35 - Obstructing governmental administration 2nd, PL 195.05 - Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, VTL 1192 sub 4 - Reckless driving, VTL 1212 - Speeding, VTL 1180 sub b - Speed not reasonable and prudent, VTL 1180 sub a, (3 counts) - Failure to stop at a stop sign, VTL 1172 sub a, (3 counts) - Failure to stop for a red light, VTL 1111 sub d1 - Failing to stay in lan, VTL 1128 sub a - Operating a motor vehicle without a license, VTL 509 sub 1 - Not being restrained by a safety belt, VTL 1229 sub c3 Contact has been made with the victim’s family and they have been advised of the arrest and outcome of the investigation.  Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, The New York State Attorney General’s Office has been investigating the incident in conjunction with the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s office. ________________________________________________________________________ ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE On November 7, 2023, at 2:12 a.m., State Police on patrol stopped a vehicle, a 2017 Acura ILX, on State Route 365 near Blackmans Corners Road in the town of Verona for speeding, 85 in a 55-mph zone. As Troopers began to interview the male driver, later identified as Howard N. Griswold Jr., abruptly rolled the window up and drove off at a high rate of speed.  Troopers returned to their patrol vehicle and initiated a traffic pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued east on State Route 365 and then onto Lamphear Road. The operator then drove through a steady red signal at the intersection of State Route 233 and continued onto Rome-Oriskany Road until making a right turn onto Monument Road. The vehicle continued south on Monument Road until taking another right turn onto Sutliff Road and traveling west at a high rate of speed. Troopers lost sight of the suspect vehicle and as they were approaching the intersection of State Route 233, they found the vehicle had crashed into a tree and came to rest on the front lawn of 6405 State Route 233. Griswold, age 24 from Utica, NY was transported by ambulance to Rome Health Hospital and then transferred to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse with severe internal injuries. A passenger in the vehicle, 22-year-old Shana Reahoo Chourd from Utica, NY was transported by ambulance to Rome Health Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Pursuant to Executive Law Section 70-b, the New York State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the incident in conjunction with the New York State Police and the Oneida County District Attorney’s office. ________________________________________________________________________ Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-fatal-roll-over-crash-town-whitestown

On July 30, 2024, at about 7:38 p.m., State Police responded to State Route 8 in the town of Norway for a one-vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation has determined Trinity R. Barnello, age 16, from Cold Brook, was driving a red 2006 Mazda 6 traveling east on State Route 8, when she failed to negotiate a curve and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled over, struck a tree, and caught on fire. Trinity R. Barnello was pronounced deceased on scene. An autopsy will be conducted to determine an official cause of death. The investigation is continuing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/troopers-investigate-one-car-fatal-town-norway

On July 26, 2024, State Police arrested Liyan Liu, age 59, from Flushing, NY, on one count of Prostitution (class “B” misdemeanor), and one count of Unauthorized Practice of a profession under New York Education Law Section 6512 (class “E” felony), and Shuqin Zhou, age 61,from China, for one count of Unauthorized Practice of a profession under New York Education Law Section 6512 (class “E” Felony) The arrests are connected to a human trafficking investigation after multiple concerned citizens reported suspicious activity to police at the XiangLi Wellness Spa located at 2265 Downer Street Road Building 300, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. A preliminary investigation revealed the above individuals were living at this business location and providing sexual acts to customers for payment.  A search warrant was conducted at the business, resulting in the police seizing ledgers, price lists, condoms, business records, and digital equipment. This investigation was led by the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit and conducted in conjunction with the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office Special Victims Bureau, The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, and the Town of Van Buren Codes Enforcement. The New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit is a unit within the state police dedicated to Narcotics, Firearms, and Human Trafficking. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-arrest-individuals-connection-ongoing-human-trafficking-investigation

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Carlos Pena Uceta, age 34, of Utica, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 130 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. As part of his plea on February 27, 2024, Pena Uceta admitted that, on June 4, 2023, he possessed a duffel bag in his vehicle containing five kilograms of cocaine, which he had just purchased in New York City and was transporting back to the Northern District of New York. Pena Uceta further admitted that, on the same date, he also possessed two kilograms of cocaine and a Polymer 80 9mm “ghost gun” in a suitcase at his apartment. Chief United States District Judge Brenda Sannes also imposed a 4-year term of supervised release, which will start when Pena Uceta is released from prison. The DEA investigated the case with assistance from New York State Police, Utica Police Department, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone prosecuted the case. Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/utica-man-sentenced-drug-and-firearm-offenses

The Rome Dairy Market, located on North James Street, has been boarded up and closed by officials after accumulating a number of nuisance violations for selling untaxed cigarettes and marijuana, among several other infractions, said Rome Public Safety Commissioner Kenneth White. The market is located at 603 N. James St., and officials have been eyeing it since early April when the city issued a nuisance hearing notice to the property owner. Since then, three nuisance violations have been placed on the market: sale of untaxed cigarettes, possession of marijuana, and a narcotics-related arrest on the premises. James Street Plaza, a Syracuse-based company, owns the property, whose attorney requested the delay for the nuisance hearing. That meeting had previously been rescheduled for July 10. When neither the owner nor anyone else representing the owner showed up for that, a recommendation was made to revoke the certificate of occupancy. On the same day, the Rome Police Department executed a search warrant for the Rome Dairy Market, which was closed and boarded up with its certificate of occupancy revoked for one year.

On Saturday, July 20th, 2024, the Syracuse Police Department's ATV enforcement detail continued their work, cracking down on illegal dirt bike and ATV activity across the City. Officers confiscated a total of three ATVs as a result of the detail. This was comprised of one four wheeler and two dirt bikes. Both of the dirt bikes were previously reported stolen. The Syracuse Police Department is taking a ZERO TOLERANCE stance when it comes to illegal dirt bikes and ATV’s. As a reminder, operators of these illegal off-road vehicles are arrested and charged with a local law violation which carries a $500 fine for first time offenses, as well as significant redemption fees. The detail will continue to run as the summer winds down. The Syracuse Police Department would like to thank the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for their continued partnership and the use of Air One. We would like to remind citizens to report illegal ATV and dirt bike activity to the Syracuse Police Department by calling (315) 442-5200, or emailing atvtips@syracusepolice.org Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=889819053181400&set=a.217797457050233

Trooper Winston I. Martindale, 40, died on July 24, 2013 as a result of injuries he received at the scene of a plane crash in Wawayanda, New York on May 9, 2011. Trooper Martindale was one of the first responding units at the scene of a crash involving two small airplanes. While attempting to free the two pilots from the wreckage, Trooper Martindale fell onto a piece of equipment and sustained internal injuries. Despite his injuries, he continued in his efforts to free the pilots. Several hours later it was determined that Trooper Martindale had been severely injured. Over the next two years he underwent several surgeries and succumbed as a result of his injuries on July 24, 2013. Trooper Martindale was a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. At the time of his death Trooper Martindale, a seven-year veteran, was assigned to SP New Hampton. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=799625592361157&set=a.153499116973811

On July 19, 2024, at 9:36 a.m. State Police responded to Bob Johnson’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Watertown on State Route 11 in the town of Watertown regarding a military ordnance that was found inside a vehicle.  The New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit along with a Fort Drum Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist responded to the scene to remove the device. The investigation has determined the driver of the vehicle was hired to clean out an empty residence when she discovered a box with military ordnance inside.  The woman placed the box inside her vehicle before traveling to the car dealership. The dealership contacted 911 after the woman revealed what she had found to their staff. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-military-ordnance-found-inside-vehicle-watertown

On July 22, 2024, at about 5:50 p.m. New York State Police responded to US-11 at the intersection of State Route 342 in the town of Le Ray for a personal injury accident. Preliminary investigation revealed that Jeffrey C. Murrock , 39, from Watertown, NY, was driving a 2023 red Harvester tractor south on US-11 behind a 2009 gray Hyundai Sonata driven by Jennifer M. Lavancha , 38, from Calcium, NY. The Harvester failed to slow down and maintain its lane, rear-ending the Hyundai, which was stopped at a red light. Murrock was issued a ticket for Failure to Keep Right. Three passengers of the Hyundai, Erynn R. Howland , age 19, from Calcium, Samantha J. Lavancha , age 13, from Calcium, and Tasha Mcconnell , age 17, from Watertown, sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision. They were transported to Samaritan Medical Center for evaluation. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-police-investigate-harvester-tractor-vs-car-town-le-ray

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Daniel B. Brubaker, the Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced today that ANTHONY ALFANO was arrested after he made a series of graphic and violent threats to kill U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) employees and burn down U.S. post offices in Ossining, New York.  ALFANO was arrested in Yorktown Heights, New York, this morning and is expected to appear this afternoon in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “The charges against the defendant underscore this Office’s unwavering commitment to swiftly collaborate with our law enforcement partners to neutralize threats against the U.S. mail system.  Any individual who dares to cross the line and threaten our postal employees and facilities with violence and destruction will be stopped in their tracks, and we will ensure they are held accountable for their actions.” USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service does not take lightly any threats of violence against USPS employees.  This behavior will never be tolerated, and we will work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to maintain a safe working environment for the postal employees we protect.  That is our mission, and that is our unwavering commitment to the people we serve.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On Saturday, June 22, 2024, ANTHONY ALFANO was awaiting the delivery of a parcel that had been mailed out via USPS from Florida the evening before.  According to ALFANO, the parcel contained cremated remains.  In a series of phone calls with USPS call center representatives before the package was scheduled to arrive, ALFANO threatened to kill USPS employees and burn down U.S. post offices because he apparently believed the parcel was not going to arrive when he wanted it to.  ALFANO’s threats included the following: ALFANO threatened, “I am gonna start killing you guys one by one.”  He also said, “people are going to die,” and that there would be “a lot of dead bodies,” “hurt people,” and people who would “not be returning home.”  ALFANO also swore to kill his local mail carrier, stating that he would “walk up to him” and “blow his brains out.”  Referencing a notorious “massacre,” ALFANO warned that it would not “have shit on what I’m about to do” and that his actions would go down “in history.” ALFANO also made threats to kill members of the postal police by using incendiary ammunition, as well as threats to burn down U.S. post offices.  For example, he welcomed the arrival of the postal police and said, “as soon as they show up at my door they’re gonna catch a hot one,” referring to shooting them with a “napalm round” from his 12-gauge shotgun.  “I’m going to kill every one of those motherfuckers,” he said.  He further threatened, “I’m gonna burn all the post offices down to the ground” and said he would go to his local post office and “burn it down to the fucking ground.” Underscoring his commitment to carry out his threats, ALFANO said several times, “I don’t make threats, I make promises.”  He also expressly swore to carry out his threats and said, “I really don’t care if I go to jail or not.” On Monday, June 24, 2024, ALFANO received his parcel on the next business day after it had been mailed out on the Friday before. ALFANO has a history of encounters with law enforcement because of prior threats he has made against others, including local police officers, delivery persons, and customer service representatives.                                 * ANTHONY ALFANO, 46, of Ossining, New York, is charged with threatening interstate communications, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and willfully making a threat involving fire, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the USPIS in investigating the threats charged in the Complaint and undertaking security measures to protect USPS employees and facilities.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Village of Ossining Police Department and City of Peekskill Police Department for their assistance in this case. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Reyhan Watson is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation. Contact Nicholas Biase, Lauren Scarff, Shelby Wratchford(212) 637-2600 Updated July 19, 2024 SOURCES: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/ossining-man-arrested-threatening-kill-usps-employees-and-burn-down-us-post-offices