Two men arrested for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree in Parish On June 20, 2024, New York State Police arrested Jadeja S. Jayrajsinh, age 24, from Ontario, Canada, and Adity Mevawala, age 24, from Ontario, Canada, for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree (class “E” felony). The investigation began when the 75-year-old female victim arrived at SP Pulaski with a large sum of cash. They stated that they received a phone call stating they were being accused of a crime. The person over the phone instructed the victim that they would need to turn over a large sum of money to avoid being arrested, and a person would show up at their residence to collect cash. The victim became suspicious and reported it. State Police were able to take Jayrajsinh and Mevawala into custody as they picked up the money at the victim’s residence. Both suspects were then transported to Oswego County CAP Court for arraignment and released on their own recognizance. Two men arrested for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree in Central Square On June 27, 2024, New York State Police arrested Zi Liu, age 29, from Brooklyn, NY, and Juan Liu, age 29, from Brooklyn, NY, for Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd degree (class “E” felony). A preliminary investigation revealed a 72-year-old male victim was transferred to a telephone number after he was advised his cash app was hacked. The person on the phone asked the victim to withdraw $ 38,000 cash, which the person on the phone stated would protect his money.  The scammers told the victim that they would come to his residence to pick up the cash. The victim contacted the New York State Police when he realized this was a possible fraud. State Police subsequently arrested both suspects while they were attempting to pick up the money. They were transported to the Oswego County Jail for CAP Court arraignment. Here are some tips if you receive a call like this: If someone calls or sends a message stating you need to pay with money for a crime or to protect your account from being hacked: Resist the urge to act immediately, no matter how dramatic the story is. Verify the person’s identity by asking questions a stranger couldn’t answer. Do not give out personal information (date of birth, social security, address, etc.) Don’t wire money, get cash out of a bank, or send a check or money order by overnight delivery or courier. Report possible fraud at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP. Scammers Use Tricks They impersonate. It’s surprisingly easy for a scam artist to impersonate someone. The internet and social media make it easier to sleuth out personal and family information. Scammers also could hack into the email account of someone you know. To make their story seem legitimate, they may involve another crook who claims to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer. They play on your emotions. Scammers are banking on your emotions to outweigh your skepticism. Sometimes, they will try to involve your family and loved ones, stating they are in danger. Call the police and check with your family before giving in to their antics. They swear you to secrecy. Con artists may insist that you keep their request for money confidential – to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters. They will tell you to go to a bank and withdraw a large amount of cash and say it is for a family loan, vehicle, or vacation so it does not seem suspicious. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrested-four-individuals-following-grandparents-scam-investigation-and-helped

sophisticated scam and want to warn the public about it. An unidentified individual stole the identity of a property owner in Otsego County and then proceeded to forge a New Jersey Driver’s License. The individual then tried to sell the property through a local realtor. Fortunately, the scam was thwarted when the deed showed additional owners, causing suspicion and halting the sale. The realtor, sensing something was amiss, investigated and discovered that the actual owner was unaware of the attempted sale. Thanks to the realtor's diligence, no money was lost, and the sale did not go through. If you suspect that you are a victim of this scam or know someone who might be, please contact your nearest law enforcement agency, as this could be part of a larger scam.

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, at approximately 1:10 PM, the Rome Police Department responded to a report of a male with a gun. The call stemmed from a civilian stating they witnessed a man in the parking lot of the Quick N Easy Shop located on E Bloomfield Street with a handgun sticking out of his waistband. During the course of the investigation, the male was located and the gun in question was determined to be a revolver-style BB Gun. We are sharing these photographs to show just how realistic a BB gun can be. The BB Gun is metal and actually functions much like a real revolver. The action opens the hammer cocks, and the cylinder, containing what appears to be a cartridge (bullet), rotates. Below are several BB Guns we have recently confiscated. Please keep in mind that officers may only have a second to determine if it is a handgun or BB Gun when confronted with one of these. Can you tell which is real and which is a BB Gun? Sources: https://www.facebook.com/RomeNYPoliceDepartment/posts/pfbid02dBXZFn5QwwcpQAkWezvwTsgbaqRezNT2b4B3gjexeYaWc6SVGriVRwmUzri7fQM9l

On June 29th at approximately 4:30am New Hartford Police responded to 245 Oxford Rd. for a report domestic dispute in which it was reported that a male later identified as Matthew Harper, 37 years old, attempted to unlawfully enter the apartment of a female he was familiar with. Upon arrival Police found that Harper alledgedly attempted to break into the female’s apartment by damaging the door in order to gain access. Harper then went out in the parking lot and slashed all four tires on the victim’s vehicle then fled the scene. As officers were responding to the scene, one New Hartford Police Officer observed the suspect’s vehicle on Kellogg Rd., near RT 8. Officers attempted to make a vehicle stop of Harpers vehicle, but Harper failed to comply. While Police Officers were investigating at the scene and interviewing the victim, Harper returned in his vehicle and began driving recklessly thought the parking lot over curbing and across the lawns therein at the 245 Oxford Rd Complex, failing to comply with Police Officers attempting to stop him. Harper also intentionally crashed his vehicle into a New Hartford Police SUV causing significant damage to both vehicles. Harper’s vehicle became disabled at one point during this incident and upon such Harper exited his vehicle and began to flee on foot. As Harper was being apprehended by police officers in the parking lot he began to physically resist arrest. As Officers attempted to take control of Harper and handcuff him one Officer suffered lacerations to his hands, and another officer sustained a broken finger. Harper was transported to The Wynn Hospital for an evaluation, the officers were treated at The Wynn and released. Harper was charged with the following; 1) Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree- D Felony 2) Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree- E Felony 3) Criminal Mischief 4th Degree- A Misdemeanor 4) Criminal Trespass, 3rd Degree- B Misdemeanor 5) Reckless Endangerment 2nd- A Misdemeanor 6) Resisting Arresting- A Misdemeanor 7) Obstructing Governmental Administration- A Misdemeanor 8)Assault 2nd- D Felony 9)Multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law Charges. Harper was then transported to The Oneida County Jail where he was held pending an arraignment in Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part Court. Additional charges are pending as the investigation into this incident is continuing. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid025u7MuRGfBHhR4H2rfYpoRNve9RCeHka22ZDH47vJsJbC6JKMu9icdKEwBnZVRRrTl&id=100064364722662

Spray Ground, Signature Art Sculpture, and Café/Retail Space To Be Added Project Will Expand Outdoor Recreation on Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront See Renderings Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced progress toward enhancing Buffalo Harbor State Park with work underway on $47.5 million in new upgrades to the park. The project includes a new spray ground, signature art sculpture and fountain, café/retail space and park office and will help provide Buffalo residents and Western New Yorkers with more options to safely cool off and escape the heat in a warming climate. “We are continuing to transform Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront by providing more public access and creating a vibrant area for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Governor Hochul said. “Buffalo Harbor State Park is a special destination on our waterfront, and these additions will further improve the experience for all Western New York families and offer a world class destination for visitors of all ages to recreate, relax and watch our amazing sunsets.” The spray ground will offer children a new active play experience and provide a safe and clean water source to cool off on the Buffalo waterfront and will be adjacent to a large Buffalo sculpture/fountain. Completion of this project is expected by Memorial Day 2026. Additional improvements will include a café/retail space, park office with public restrooms, expansion of the playground to include additional inclusive equipment as well as dedicated space for food trucks and updated park furnishings. Construction work will be performed by Mark Cerrone Inc. from Niagara Falls. Upgrades to Buffalo Harbor State Park supports Governor Hochul's vision to increase waterfront accessibility, recreation opportunities and continue to add vibrancy to Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront. Governor Hochul previously announced earlier this year the opening of the Terminal B Events Center and the newly improved Bell Slip. The Terminal B Events Center created a new outdoor events center and surrounding open space by rehabilitating a vacant structure and utilizing existing parking, while reclaiming 7 acres of contaminated property to open additional public access with new lake views. The Bell Slip Improvement Project added many long sought-after amenities to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor, including a public restroom building and an additional parking lot at a central location. New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Western New Yorkers love summer, and the waterfront at Buffalo Harbor State Park is already a magnificent place to enjoy both. As we celebrate the park system’s centennial this year, we are grateful to Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to state parks and for recognizing the beauty and opportunity of this park. I am confident that when complete, Buffalo Harbor will cater to a wider range of park users and be an even more popular waterfront destination.” Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Following a week in Western New York where temperatures reached over 90 degrees, Buffalo residents are increasingly seeking out public spaces to cool off. With the $47.5 million in upgrades Governor Hochul has announced for Buffalo Harbor State Park, residents of all ages will be able to enjoy our city’s natural amenities while staying cool, and will also be able to spend time exploring an expanded Outer Harbor that includes new public art, retail space and new playground equipment. I thank Governor Hochul for her vision to increase accessibility to our region’s waterfront, and I know that these improvements will be a welcome addition to a space that is quickly growing into one of our region’s premier recreation hubs.” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision for Buffalo Harbor State Park. The project serves as another example of Buffalo’s growing waterfront. This investment will attract thousands of residents and visitors annually.” The upgrades to the park will also complement the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Empire State Trail Gateway which serves as the beginning/end point of the 750-mile-long Empire State Trail. In 2017, New York State launched the Empire State Trail to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality, and bolster tourism-related economic development. Buffalo Harbor is the City of Buffalo’s only state park. Boasting beautiful views of Lake Erie, the park is home to a 1,100-slip marina, a restaurant, boat launches, personal watercraft launches, fish cleaning station, restrooms, and a waterfront for strolling and sunbathing, and a nautical themed playground great for kids of all ages. In addition, the park is adjacent to the popular Tifft Nature Preserve. 2024 marks the 100th anniversary the State Parks system. Celebratory initiatives include ‘Blazing A Trail,’ an interactive timeline chronicling the agency’s history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more. Additional initiatives will be announced throughout 2024. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit  parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and the OPRHP Blog. Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-progress-toward-enhancing-buffalo-harbor-state-park

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol, a City of Rome man and woman were arrested on June 30, 2024, following the burglary of a storage shed. On June 30, 2024, at approximately 3:00 AM, Oneida County Sheriff Deputies while conducting routine premise checks of businesses, entered Colonial Self Storage located on Tannery Rd in the City of Rome. Upon entering the storage facility, Deputies noticed an occupied vehicle near an open storage unit. Inside the vehicle, Deputies located and identified Lyndsey M. Orlowske, 30 of Rome, NY along with two children sleeping in the rear of the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the storage unit, James Collazo Jr., 33 of Rome, NY was discovered hiding inside. Following the initial investigation, Deputies learned that the storage unit did not belong to any occupants of the vehicle or Collazo. Further investigation was conducted by members of the Criminal Investigation Unit and as a result, both Collazo and Orlowske were charged with burglary in the third degree, a class D felony, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, possession of burglar’s tools, a class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a class A misdemeanor. Both Collazo Jr. and Orlowske were transported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, where they were subsequently booked and held for arraignment at Oneida County CAP Court. Sources: https://oneidacountysheriff.us/news/66816a03a9c674adb10ce1c8/

On June 4, 2024, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the below individual attempted to cash a fraudulent $3500.00 check using a stolen New York State Drivers License at the Reliant Federal Credit Union in the town of Farmington, New York. A bank employee identified the check as fraudulent and recognized the license as stolen, which caused the individual to flee the establishment. The individual was captured on a nearby camera fleeing and entering the below vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100 or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov Contact Troop E Public Information Officer: Trooper Lynnea Crane Troop E Commander: Major Miklos S. Szoczei Contact us by phone: Office(585) 398-4169 Cell (585)944-8483 Contact us by email: LYNNEA.CRANE@troopers.ny.gov Contact us by fax: (585) 398-2653 Map Directions: New York State Police Troop E Headquarters Canandaigua NY, 14425

On June 26, 2024, at about 7:51 p.m., State Police in Sullivan responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on State Route 5 in the town of Lenox. An investigation determined a 2016 black Honda CR-V, traveling east on State Route 5, struck a pedestrian who was walking in the middle of the driving lane. The pedestrian, Lezlie J. Moyer-Hansen, age 53, from Chittenango, NY, was transported by Greater Lenox Ambulance to Upstate University Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The operator of the Honda CR-V, Camille A. Downer, age 40, from Oneida, NY, was not injured in the crash. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Canastota Police Department and the Canastota Fire Department. The investigation is continuing. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-fatal-pedestrian-crash-town-lenox

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love being a Volunteer Firefighter and The Profound Impact it makes on helping others in need. Well today I'm asking for your help, Some of us Firefighters have teamed up in the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department to do the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Central NY on Sun August 18, 2024 Please take a moment and sponsor us we have a link below. https://runsignup.com/Race/129828/Donate/yprWfqSS2RjsiAgH Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Free Fishing Days in New York State! The event takes place throughout the last full weekend in June (June 29-30) and allows individuals aged 16 and older to enjoy fishing in the state's fresh waters without needing a fishing license. That's right, no license required! And for kids under 16, fishing is always free. This is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in trying out fishing for the first time or even for seasoned anglers to introduce someone to the wonderful world of fishing. Don't worry if you don't have your own fishing equipment, as you can easily borrow fishing gear for the day through the I FISH NY program, which aims to promote fishing participation and raise awareness of the incredible fishing opportunities available across the state. If you're new to fishing, the I FISH NY website offers valuable resources such as links to educational programs, free fish clinics, guides, and instructional "How to" videos to help you get started. With over 7,500 lakes and ponds, as well as an incredible 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, New York State is teeming with fantastic freshwater fishing spots. For ideas on where to go, be sure to check out the "Places to Fish" webpages on the website. So, whether you're a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, mark your calendars and take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy world-class fishing experiences right here in New York State!

On June 25th, 2024 at approximately 8:15 AM Utica Police units were dispatched to the area of Eagle St and Park Ave to assist Durham Bus employees with the theft of a school bus. It was reported that employees noticed one of the busses missing, and upon tracking on GPS they located it near the above intersection. As they were getting ready to return to the bus to their facility they were approached by a male who was holding the key and a tablet that accompanied the bus. The male was adamant that the bus and tablet were his and that no one was taking in from him. Based on the behaviors of this party, employees contacted the Police Department, and upon their arrival, the male was detained for the investigation. When employees were able to view the bus camera footage they learned that the male in question did in fact steal the bus around 1:00 AM and ultimately drove it to the location where they encountered it. At the conclusion of the investigation, Daniel Finley age 29, no known address, was charged with: Grand Larceny in the fourth degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Sources : https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=874333411403387&set=a.223509269819141

On June 22, 2024, at 7:20 pm, Troopers from the State Police barracks in Greenville (Orange County) responded to the intersection of US Route 6 and Dolson Avenue, in the town of Wawayanda, for a fatal motor vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation determined that the City of Middletown Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit with a 2003 Yamaha R1 motorcycle, which was traveling eastbound on Dolson Avenue, at a high rate of speed, when it struck a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, that was making a left from Dolson Avenue westbound onto US Route 6. The operator of the 2003 Yamaha R1 motorcycle was pronounced deceased on scene and has been identified as Noe Dominguez, age 19 from New Hampton, NY. The operator of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was transported to Garnet Health Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation remains ongoing and is being investigated by the New York State Police and the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Police at Middletown at 845-344-5300. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-responded-fatal-motorcycle-crash-town-wawayanda