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On October 30, 2025, New York State Police at Binghamton arrested Riley M. Merrick, age 32 of Candor, NY for the misdemeanors of False Personation and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.   Troopers initiated a traffic stop after they observed a vehicle cross over the center pavement markings while on Conklin Road in the town of Conklin.   While interviewing the operator, he provided a false name.  Troopers determined that Merrick was lying about his name because he has an active arrest warrant with the Elmira City Police Department.  He was arrested and also found in possession of suspected illegal drugs.   Merrick was transported to SP Binghamton, processed and scheduled to appear at the Conklin Town Court on November 13, 2025.  Merrick was then turned over to the Elmira City Police Department to answer to his arrest warrant. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/man-arrested-after-providing-fake-name-traffic-stop

On October 30, 2025, at approximately 8:47 p.m., New York State Police at Homer arrested Nyraeisa Bibbs, age 27 of Syracuse, NY , for the misdemeanor of Petit Larceny, and Naughtica T. Fulton, age 23 of Syracuse, NY, for the misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fifth degree.   Troopers were dispatched to Tractor Supply on State Route 13, where a vehicle with two suspects fled the area after stealing several Carhartt jackets.  Troopers were able to obtain a description of the vehicle and the suspects.    A Trooper located the vehicle on State Route 281 when it attempted to get onto the connector to Interstate 81, but the Trooper was able to make a traffic stop. While Troopers were interviewing Bibbs and Fulton, Fulton locked the vehicle with her key fob and threw the keys inside in an effort to hinder the investigation.  Ultimately, Troopers were able to determine that Bibbs and Fulton were the suspects in the crime, and the jackets were recovered from the vehicle.   Bibbs and Fulton were arrested and issued appearance tickets to the Cortlandville Town Court on November 24, 2025.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/two-arrested-after-stealing-tractor-supply

Press Release On November 2, 2025, at approximately 11:29 a.m., troopers from the New York State Police Coxsackie barracks responded to a report of a body floating in the Catskill Creek in the Village of Catskill. Upon arrival, troopers recovered the body of an unidentified male from the water. The investigation is being conducted by the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Catskill and the Troop F Forensic Identification Unit (FIU). The investigation is in its early stages, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. The State Police was assisted by the Greene County Sher if f’s Office and the Catskill Village Police Department.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-investigating-death-catskill-creek

GROVELAND, N.Y. —  A Nunda man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly using an excavator to damage a home and threaten family members during a domestic dispute in Livingston County. According to New York State Police, on October 27, 2025, at approximately 3:33 p.m., Troopers and members of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) from SP Geneseo responded to a residence on Upper Bean Hill Road in the town of Groveland for a report of a domestic dispute and criminal mischief in progress. An investigation determined that Matthew P. Partridge , 37, of Nunda, operated a large excavator owned by his family’s business and drove it toward a residence occupied by a 62-year-old woman and her 11-year-old relative. Police say Partridge caused significant damage by driving through the side of the home and tearing apart part of the wrap-around porch. During the incident, Partridge allegedly threatened the female occupant and continued damaging property as she fled the scene. The woman then contacted a 64-year-old male family member, who arrived at the home in a 2013 Chevrolet 3500 pickup truck. According to investigators, the truck was struck several times by the excavator. When the male exited the vehicle, a brief physical altercation took place before Partridge fled. Troopers and BCI investigators secured the scene and began searching for Partridge, who was later located at his mother’s residence. Members of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office assisted in taking him into custody. Partridge was charged with: Three counts of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (D Felony) Two counts of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree (D Felony) Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor) He was arraigned in Livingston County CAP Court and released. Authorities have not reported any injuries, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Press Release The New York State Police in Auburn announce the arrest of Zackary A. Knapp, age 28, of Moravia, NY, following an investigation into a stolen tractor reported from a trailer park in the town of Moravia.   On October 22, 2025, troopers responded to Ted’s Way Trailer Park in the town of Moravia for a report of a missing 1993 Kubota 2250 tractor. The park manager reported that the park-owned tractor had been taken sometime during the early morning hours of October 21, 2025.   On October 23, 2025, the park’s owner contacted Troopers after receiving a tip through social media indicating the tractor’s possible location. Troopers patrolled to a residence on Poverty Lane in the town of Sempronius, where they observed tractor parts matching the description of the stolen Kubota.   Subsequent to an interview with Knapp, he was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D Felony). He was processed at SP Auburn and transported to the Cayuga County Jail for CAP arraignment.

Hornellsville, NY –  A Rochester man was arrested after a domestic dispute early Tuesday morning led to a vehicle crashing into the Aldi’s grocery store in the town of Hornellsville, according to the New York State Police in Hornell. On October 22, 2025, around 3:45 a.m., Troopers responded to a report of a physical domestic dispute on Seneca Road North in Hornell. Before Troopers arrived, the male suspect reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle. Moments later, authorities were called to the Aldi’s store at 1191 County Route 66 after reports of a vehicle that had crashed into the building. Upon arrival, Troopers discovered a 2024 Jeep that had gone through the exterior brick wall and come to rest on its driver’s side. The vehicle was unoccupied when officers arrived. A short time later, Troopers located and detained a man matching the suspect’s description near the scene. He was identified as Markiest D. Hartfield, 30, of Rochester, NY . Hartfield was evaluated by emergency medical services and found to be uninjured. The Jeep was removed from the crash site, and further investigation revealed that the domestic incident had involved two victims at the Seneca Road North residence. Hartfield was arrested and charged with: Two counts of Assault in the 3rd Degree  (A Misdemeanor) Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree  (A Misdemeanor) Reckless Driving  (Unclassified Misdemeanor) Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree  (Unclassified Misdemeanor) He was processed at SP Hornell and taken to the Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment. No injuries were reported at Aldi’s, and the investigation remains ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/arrest-made-after-vehicle-crashes-aldis-following-domestic-dispute

Press Release On October 23, 2025, State Police assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) arrested Kye A. Washburn , 26, of Schenectady, N.Y., for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree and Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. On October 23, 2025, at about 9:50 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle on First Street in Albany, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Washburn.  The investigation discovered an illegally possessed loaded handgun inside the vehicle, which was seized. Washburn  was arrested and transported to SP Latham for processing. He was then transported to the Albany Police Department, where he was held pending arraignment.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-schenectady-man-and-seize-illegally-possessed-handgun-during-albany

Press Release On October 27, 2025, State Police arrested  Curtis L. Williams , 20 of Rensselaer, NY for Reckless Endangerment in the second degree, five counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.   On October 27, 2025, at about 7:26 a.m. Troopers responded to the report of a two-vehicle crash involving a school bus on State Route 145 in Rensselaerville, NY. The investigation determined  Williams  was reportedly recklessly driving his vehicle at a high rate of speed southbound on State Route 145, according to witnesses.   Williams  crossed over into the northbound lane and struck a northbound Middleburgh Central School District bus occupied by the driver, an adult attendant, and five children.  Williams’s  vehicle then overturned, striking a utility pole. One child and  Williams  did report minor injuries resulting from the crash, but neither was transported for further medical care. State Route 145 remained closed between Fox Creek Road (County Route 352) and State Route 81 for the investigation and repair of the utility pole until approximately 11:30 a.m. But has since been reopened. Williams  was transported to SP Latham for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Rensselaerville Town Court on November 10, 2025, and released. State Police would like to thank the Middleburgh Central School District and the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Department for their quick action and cooperation during the investigation.  Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-driver-following-collision-school-bus-rensselaerville

Press Release On October 27, 2025, State Police with the assistance of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) arrested  Dave Torres , 32 of Cobleskill, NY for Arson in the second degree and Arson in the third degree. On October 26, 2025, at about 10:14 p.m. Troopers responded to a home on East Main Street in Cobleskill, NY for the reports of an unwanted individual. While en route Troopers were notified that the neighboring multi-residential building was on fire. The fire was extinguished by Cobleskill Fire, and it was determined that no one was in the three-apartment residence. The New York State Office of Fire Investigators located evidence indicating the fire was intentionally started.  Torres  was reportedly present in an apartment within the building and allegedly intentionally set the fire before fleeing the home.  Further investigation identified  Torres  as the unwanted subject law enforcement had originally been contacted about.  Torres had reportedly been involved in an earlier verbal altercation at the neighboring residence where he had threatened to physically harm the victim. Torres had been told to leave after the altercation which he did for a short period of time but then returned, which is when law enforcement was contacted. The victim of that altercation was later determined to be the resident of the apartment where the fire had originated.  Torres  was arrested in Cobleskill, NY, and transported to SP Cobleskill for processing. He was arraigned at the Schoharie County Centralized Arraignment Part Court where he was remanded to the Schoharie County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, or a $150,000 partially secured bond.

October 27, 2025 – Utica, NY A Utica man was taken into custody Monday morning after allegedly punching a hole in a wall inside the Oneida County Office Building. According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 10:19 a.m., 33-year-old Paul Vannort II  was leaving a waiting room on the first floor of the building when he struck a wall with a closed fist, causing a fist-sized hole. Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Office Building immediately detained Vannort and took him into custody. He was transported to the Kurt B. Wyman Law Enforcement Building , where he was charged with Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree  (Section 145.00, Subsection 1 of the New York State Penal Law), a Class A misdemeanor . Vannort was processed and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Utica City Court  at a later date. During the arrest process, Deputies learned that Vannort was currently on state parole . The New York State Division of Parole was notified, and a violation of parole warrant  was issued. Vannort was subsequently transported to the Oneida County Correctional Facility , where he was turned over to Correctional Officers and held on a parole violation.

Fans Invited to Popular Finger Lakes Campground for Mother’s Day Weekend NASCAR Cup Series Run Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is opening camping season early at Watkins Glen State Park next spring to welcome race fans to the Finger Lakes. The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race rolls in for Mother’s Day weekend, a shift from its traditional August date. “Welcoming NASCAR back to New York’s famous Watkins Glen International Raceway means so much to the state and the region,” Governor Hochul said. “In preparation, we are opening Watkins Glen State Park to campers for the Mother’s Day weekend festivities. We are excited to have thousands of visitors revving their engines to the area for three national races at the famed road course.” The race entitled “Go Bowling at the Glen” is scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother's Day. This move on the calendar, up from the traditional August date, helps distribute the road course races more evenly throughout the season. The event will feature all three national series May 8-10 around the 2.45-mile circuit. New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “NASCAR’s rolling road trip is making an early stop in New York State and Watkins Glen State Park is ready to help welcome the action. This will be the start of a big season of tourism and outdoor recreation for Watkins Glen State Park. Thanks to our team in the Finger Lakes Region for the planning and preparation of all that comes with a Watkins Glen racing weekend.” Watkins Glen State Park will now open two of its camping loops, approximately 100 electric sites, from May 8-10. The rest of the camping area will open as normal the following weekend. Reservations can be made beginning Monday, October 27 at 9 a.m. Available sites are expected to be filled quickly. Visit the Reserve America page on the NYS Parks website or call toll free 1-800-456-CAMP. Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew said, “Race fans flock to the greater Watkins Glen area, not only for the exciting on-track action, but also for the beauty and natural wonder of the region. We appreciate that Watkins Glen State Park will be opening their 2026 season early to welcome fans coming for the NASCAR race weekend, May 8-10. This will allow fans and race teams the opportunity to truly enjoy all that Watkins Glen has to offer during their visit.” Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale said, “Our hats are off to the Watkins Glen State Park – as this is a fabulous example of the Chamber’s trust and confidence in the State Park’s response to NASCAR’s schedule change. We applaud their early preparation and attention to opening the Campground at this Springtime juncture, understanding the importance of making sure our NASCAR audience will have an opportunity to explore our natural wonder.” The NASCAR race weekend again plays host to the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Below are the dates of the 2026 NASCAR races at Watkins Glen International: Friday, May 8 – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Saturday, May 9 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen Sunday, May 10 – NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-early-opening-watkins-glen-state-park-camping-season-welcome-nascar

Advances New York’s ‘30 x 30’ Open Space Protection Goals and Helps Connect New Yorkers to the Outdoors The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the acquisition of more than 3,387 acres of forest and wetlands located in the towns of Salisbury and Norway, Herkimer County. The parcel, purchased from the Open Space Institute (OSI), will be managed for forest products, expanded recreational access, protection of critical drinking water sources, and enhancement of ecosystem resilience. “The Spruce Creek acquisition marks a major win for clean water, climate resilience, and connecting New Yorkers to the outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s historic support of the Environmental Protection Fund and Open Space Institute’s partnership, New York State is advancing our shared goals to protect natural resources and improve public access to open space.” The property includes hardwood and softwood forests, nearly 900 acres of wetlands, and several miles of Spruce Creek, a tributary of the East Canada Creek which eventually flows into the Mohawk River. The property sits just outside the southwestern boundary of the Adirondack Forest Preserve and connects to more than 150,000 acres of DEC's  Ferris Lake Wild Forest . The wetlands and forests on the parcel provide habitat for a wide range of species including black bear, white-tailed deer, bobcat, river otter, and fisher. These features also play a vital role in filtering rainwater that serves as part of the drinking water supply for the city of Little Falls.   Ten acres of the property will be added to the Adirondack Forest Preserve, while the remaining acreage located just outside of the Adirondack Park boundary will be state forest. Region 6 Director Randall Young said , “This acquisition reflects DEC’s commitment to protecting the natural resources that define Region 6. The Spruce Creek property safeguards critical wildlife habitat and clean water as it expands the network of conserved lands that make the Adirondack region so special.” President and CEO, Open Space Institute Erik Kulleseid said, "The conservation of the Spruce Creek property is a significant achievement in OSI's long history of bold, strategic land protection in the Adirondacks, where we have saved almost 60,000 acres of land to date--with more to come. We were proud to work with our partners at DEC to permanently protect this special place and the wealth of benefits it offers. We are also deeply grateful to the Wyss Foundation for making this moment possible, and we appreciate the support provided by the Environmental Protection Fund in preserving a vital source of clean water for the people and businesses of Little Falls and beyond." Although the purchase and transfer of the Spruce Creek property are now complete, public access is currently limited to one location off Dairy Hill Road just south of the junction with Guideboard Road. DEC staff are working to establish additional safe and sustainable access points that will support future recreational use while protecting natural resources. The public is asked to respect the limited access during development of these additional points. DEC will provide updates and announce when these improvements are completed. The acquisition was made possible by OSI’s $3 million land purchase from Datum 9 Forestry LLC. DEC subsequently acquired the 3,387-acre parcel using $3 million from the  EPF . Among the many environmental achievements in the enacted 2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul increased the EPF’s historically high level to $425 million. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports New York’s  30x30 initiative , which commits to conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.