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Public Safety

Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS
Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Drivers should brace for delays, as a major $30 million construction project near a Hudson Valley high school is expected to impact traffic for nearly two years.  The project, which began in the Putnam County town of Carmel in September, will widen Fair Street from Simpson Road to Route 52, add sidewalks and streetlights, improve drainage, and create a new turning lane to make it easier to enter and exit the Carmel High School parking lot. The work is expected to continue through summer 2026, Carmel Central School District officials said in an announcement on Friday, Dec. 13.  Pu…
Scammers Threatening Victims With Arrest, Impersonating Officers In Westchester Scammers Threatening Victims With Arrest, Impersonating Officers In Westchester
Scammers Threatening Victims With Arrest, Impersonating Officers In Westchester Residents in Westchester are being warned about phone scammers impersonating police and tricking victims into handing over money.  The warning was issued on Friday, Dec. 13 after the Yonkers Police Department received reports of scammers "spoofing" official department phone numbers, including the 1st Precinct at (914) 377-7477.  According to police, the scammers call individuals and either threaten them with arrest unless a fake fine is paid or request fraudulent donations to the department. "The Yonkers Police Department will NEVER call you to demand payment," officials sai…
Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down
Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport In Hudson Valley To Shut Down Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
$2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go $2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go
$2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go Westchester County's 2025 budget, which avoids a tax levy increase, has been officially signed into law.  The $2.5 billion 2025 Westchester operating budget was signed by County Executive George Latimer, officials announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The new budget is the seventh and last to be signed by Latimer, who will resign from his position on Thursday, Jan. 2 to serve in Congress representing New York’s 16th Congressional District.  According to Latimer, the budget proposal maintains the same tax levy as the 2024 budget, making it the sixth consecutive year without an inc…
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Authorities are investigating a report involving a Hudson Valley student allegedly photographed with what appeared to be a firearm on school grounds, police announced. The investigation began in Putnam County late Tuesday, Dec. 10, when the concerning image was reported to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer by the Putnam Valley School District, the Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The student was identified and interviewed at their residence. They did not attend Putnam Valley High School on Wednesday, authorities and school officials said. In a…
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, Lirr Riders If you’re planning to ho-ho-hop on a Metro-North, NJ Transit or LIRR train this SantaCon weekend, leave the spiked eggnog at home — the MTA and NJ Transit are implementing its annual booze ban. In preparation for SantaCon 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a 32-hour alcohol ban across all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations. The restriction will take effect at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and remain in place until noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers. “Our top priority is …
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The rare times in which Luigi Nicholas Mangione removed his face mask may have been the main reason for his arrest for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after a five-day manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say In the first instance, Mangione was asked by a receptionist at a hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side to remove the mask so she could compare his face to the photo on an allegedly fake ID. The 26-year-old Maryland native checked in there 10 days before the targeted shooti…
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Authorities along the East Coast are grappling with a surge in drone sightings, raising security concerns and prompting high-level responses. In New Jersey, residents have reported numerous drone sightings since mid-November, particularly in Morris and Somerset counties, and more than a dozen mayors are calling for investigations. Gov. Phil Murphy is urging residents to report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement and emphasizing the state's commitment to public safety.  "We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement par…
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY An Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian from a privileged, politically connected family has been charged with the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers after a days-long manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery New York prosecutors have formally charged 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a native of Towson, Maryland, with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson.  The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton in midt…
Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event
Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event It was a ho-ho-hold-on-tight moment for Santa Claus when he got stuck some 60 feet on the side of a building in Fairfield County during a Christmas celebration event, leading to a high-flying rescue. This is why Santa sticks with the reindeer. The Norwalk Holiday Extravaganza turned into an unexpected spectacle Saturday evening, Dec. 7, when a performer dressed as Santa Claus found himself stranded on the side of a building at 50 Washington Street, the Norwalk Fire Department said.  The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. as Santa rappelled down the 13-story building. According to…
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New images released by authorities show the suspect in the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan fleeing the crime scene in the back of a taxi cab. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: 26-Year-Old Being Held In Pennsylvania In Connection To Manhattan Case The NYPD released the latest images early Sunday morning, Dec. 8.  "The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public's help," the NYPD said in a statement accompanying the release of the new i…
Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against NY Ex-Marine After Jury Deadlocks Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against NY Ex-Marine After Jury Deadlocks
Subway Death: Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge Against NY Ex-Marine After Jury Deadlocks A New York judge dismissed the top criminal count against an ex-Marine accused of choking a New Jersey street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway after the jury deadlocked. Manhattan Judge Maxwell Wiley granted a defense motion to dismiss the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny late Friday afternoon, Dec. 6, after jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the top count, NBC News reports. The dismissal came hours after jurors told Wiley they were deadlocked on whether Penny was guilty of second-degree manslaughter and the judge ordered them to continue deliberations.…
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO) Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO)
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (Video) The skies over New Jersey remain a puzzling hotspot for drone sightings as reports continue nearly two weeks after they first emerged, with residents growing increasingly uneasy (scroll for video). On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Warren County officials confirmed they are working with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor, assess, and investigate the unusual activity. This follows a similar announcement from Morris and Somerset counties, where prosecutors, sheriffs, and emergency management offices are coordinating efforts …
Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley
Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley A driver was rescued from a partially submerged vehicle in a Hudson Valley reservoir, authorities said.  The incident occurred in Putnam County shortly after noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3, when a vehicle crashed into the West Branch Reservoir near Washington Road in Carmel, according to the Carmel Police Department. The driver, a 76-year-old Mahopac woman, was unable to exit the vehicle, prompting an immediate response from Carmel Police officers, along with the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team, and EMS units. Upon arriving, Carmel off…
Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot
Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot A woman was injured after being struck by a vehicle in a supermarket parking lot in Westchester County, with police now searching for the driver, authorities said. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26 at the ShopRite supermarket parking lot at 278 Tuckahoe Rd. in Yonkers, according to Yonkers Police Sgt. Robert Spink. The elderly victim, who was walking through the parking lot, was hit by a vehicle that was backing up, Spink said. She complained of head and back pain and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.  The driver did not remain at the scene and may…
22-Year-Old Shot Near Transit Center In Westchester: Suspect At Large 22-Year-Old Shot Near Transit Center In Westchester: Suspect At Large
22-Year-Old Shot Near Transit Center In Westchester: Suspect At Large Authorities are searching for a suspect involved in a shooting near a Westchester transit center that left a 22-year-old man hospitalized. The shooting happened on Monday, Nov. 18 just before 1 p.m., when two people were seen exchanging gunfire in the area of 311 North Ave. in New Rochelle near the city's transit center parking garage, New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne said on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  Arriving officers soon found a victim with gunshot wounds in the area of Huguenot Street and North Avenue and began giving medical aid to him. The victim, a 22-year-old New Rochelle …
New Update: 10-Year-Old Girl Found After Going Missing In Westchester New Update: 10-Year-Old Girl Found After Going Missing In Westchester
New Update: 10-Year-Old Girl Found After Going Missing In Westchester New Update: A 10-year-old girl was found after going missing in Westchester, police announced. Hadir Ayyad was located as of 11:40 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 18 after going missing earlier in the day in Yonkers, according to the city's police department. Authorities did not release details about where Ayyad was found.  Original Report: Authorities in Westchester are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 10-year-old girl.  Hadir Ayyad was last seen on Monday, Nov. 18 in the area of Rossiter Avenue in Yonkers, according to Yonkers Police. Ayyad is described as fi…
Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays
Don’t Be Fooled: Police Warn Of Email Scammers Ahead Of Holidays Police in New York are warning residents to beware scammers heading into the holidays. In a public service announcement Wednesday, Nov. 13, Nassau County Police were especially concerned about computer scams that claim someone’s bank or shopping account was “hacked.” Other scams include phony computer viruses and software updates, unsolicited job offers, fake lotto prizes, and bogus overdue notices from purported utility companies. “Legitimate agencies never ask for immediate payment via gift cards and never come to your home to collect cash,” the agency said. Police warned that the follo…
Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Suburban NY Home, Police Say Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Suburban NY Home, Police Say
Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Suburban NY Home, Police Say Police are seeking the public's help in locating a man accused of stabbing his father to death on Long Island. The incident happened in Rocky Point at 30 Quail Road on Saturday, Nov. 9, around 1:25 a.m.  Officers arrived to find Joseph Zoll, age 61, with stab wounds, according to Suffolk County Police.  Zoll was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. On Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, Suffolk County Police said its Homicide Squad detectives are looking to locate Matthew Zoll, who is wanted for the murder of his father. Matthew Zoll, 2…
Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Westchester Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Westchester
Rabid Raccoon Seen 'Acting Aggressively' Near School In Westchester A raccoon found acting aggressively near a school in Westchester has tested positive for rabies, health officials announced. The raccoon was seen on Thursday, Oct. 31 near the John Paulding School in Tarrytown at 154 Broadway, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The animal was also seen near the Warner Library and Patriots Park down the street from the school, health officials said. After it was found, the raccoon was confirmed to be rabid. Because of this, the Health Department is now urging residents to call as soon as possible if they or…
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley 18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire In Hudson Valley A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
$2.5B 2025 Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Would Go $2.5B 2025 Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Would Go
$2.5B 2025 Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Would Go If you're worried about tax increases, the proposed 2025 Westchester County budget may come as some relief.  The $2.5 billion proposed 2025 Westchester County operating budget was unveiled by County Executive George Latimer in a presentation given on Thursday, Nov. 7.  According to Latimer, the budget proposal maintains the same tax levy as the 2024 budget, making it the sixth consecutive year without an increase if it is passed. The proposal "prioritizes key areas such as public safety, emergency preparedness, housing, health and mental health services, as well as environmental …
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley  Dies Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley  Dies
Beloved K9 Who Served With 'Gentlemanly Attitude' In Hudson Valley Dies A sheriff's office is mourning the loss of a beloved K9 who dutifully served the public for several years while still keeping a playful side.  In an announcement on Monday, Nov. 4, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office PBA revealed the death of K9 Satch, who served the county for more than seven years.  After beginning his career in January 2015 with his handler, Deputy Christopher Tompkins, Satch went on to become certified in tracking, evidence search, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and explosive detection.  In a post on social media memorializing the fallen …
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Valhalla School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Valhalla
School Bus Goes Up In Flames In Valhalla A busy road in the region was temporarily closed as crews battled a school bus fire.  The blaze happened on Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7 in Northern Westchester County when the bus caught on fire in Valhalla on Grasslands Road (Route 100), according to the Valhalla Fire Department. Luckily, no students were aboard the bus at the time and no injuries were reported. The blaze was quickly put out and the bus was removed from the road, the department said, adding that the roadway was then reopened to traffic. 
Bridge 'Red-Flagged,' Immediately Closed To Traffic In Northern Westchester Bridge 'Red-Flagged,' Immediately Closed To Traffic In Northern Westchester
Bridge 'Red-Flagged,' Immediately Closed To Traffic In Northern Westchester Traffic on a more-than-century-old bridge in Northern Westchester has been halted following the discovery of structural deficiencies, officials announced.  The Quaker Bridge, which carries Quaker Bridge Road over the Croton River in Cortlandt, was "red-flagged" and closed to vehicular traffic, Cortlandt town officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 6.  The bridge, built in 1894, is owned and maintained by Westchester County. Plans had already been in place to replace it with a new structure, as it was known to be structurally impaired, town officials said. However, the bridge has n…
Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Northern Westchester Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Northern Westchester
Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Northern Westchester New York's 40th State Senate District voters have officially chosen their next representative.  Democrat Pete Harckham, age 64, has been projected as winning re-election for his fourth term in the New York State Senate seat representing Northern Westchester and parts of Putnam and Rockland counties, according to the state's Board of Elections.  As of just after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Harckham was leading his opponent, Republican Gina Arena, by 50 to 44 percent.  In total, Harckham received 84,789 votes of those tallied, over 10,000 more than those cast for Arena. It i…
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows A New York State Police trooper who was shot and injured while trying to help a highway motorist is back home with his family. Thomas Mascia, age 27, was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow on Friday morning, Nov. 1. Law enforcement officers from across Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered outside the hospital for a “walk-out” ceremony honoring the injured trooper. Earlier Report: 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; Cash Reward Being Offered “I’m feeling good,” he told the crowd. “I’m going home.” The jubilant scene came two d…
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot On NY Highway; $5,000 Reward Being Offered Authorities said an “all-out” manhunt was underway after a New York State Police trooper was shot on a Long Island highway. The incident happened on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, in the westbound lanes near exit 17, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. New York State Police said a trooper patrolling the highway pulled up behind what he thought was a disabled vehicle and took down the license plate number. Earlier Report: NYSP Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run He then exited his patrol car and was walking toward the vehicl…
Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program
Over 100 Sex Offenders To Be Kept Off Westchester Streets On Halloween With Educational Program To help ensure the safety of young trick-or-treaters in Westchester on Halloween night, county officials will be requiring registered sex offenders to attend a program intended to keep them off the streets. In an announcement on Monday, Oct. 28, Westchester officials said more than 100 registered and non-registered sex offenders on probation within the county will have to attend an educational program at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The program is intended to teach offenders about the impact of their actions and …