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Bethlehem, NY

Fatal Crash: Drunk 28-Year-Old From Clifton Park Caused Head-On Wreck Killing Woman, Police Say Fatal Crash: Drunk 28-Year-Old From Clifton Park Caused Head-On Wreck Killing Woman, Police Say
Fatal Crash: Drunk 28-Year-Old From Clifton Park Caused Head-On Wreck Killing Woman, Police Say More than a month after a beloved wife and mother was killed in a head-on highway crash in the region, the man allegedly responsible has been arrested. In Albany County, Bethlehem Police arrested Saratoga County resident Matthew Monthie, age 28, of Clifton Park on Friday, June 7, on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and related charges in the death of Shawna Marzahl. Investigators said Monthie was driving westbound on Route 85 near the Albany city limits when he crossed over the center line and struck the 53-year-old Marzahl in the eastbound lane just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 1. E…
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say 16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say Classes were in session when a 16-year-old allegedly set fire to a high school in the region. The Albany County incident happened Tuesday, April 23, at Bethlehem High School. According to Bethlehem Police, the juvenile suspect intentionally started a fire in a school bathroom in the C wing.  No students or staff were injured, but the incident forced an evacuation of the building that lasted nearly an hour. The alleged culprit is a student at the school, according to Superintendent Jody Monroe, who said the district is cooperating with police and is conducting its own investigation. …
ID Released For Woman Killed In Head-On Capital Region Highway Crash ID Released For Woman Killed In Head-On Capital Region Highway Crash
ID Released For Woman Killed In Head-On Capital Region Highway Crash Authorities have identified a woman killed in a head-on highway crash in the region that left another man injured. The Albany County wreck happened just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, in Bethlehem, on State Route 85 near the Albany city limits. Bethlehem Police said a 28-year-old Saratoga County man from Clifton Park was driving westbound on Route 85 when he crossed over the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle. The driver of the eastbound car, 53-year-old Shawna Marzahl, of Selkirk, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Due to the im…
Driver Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash Injuring Second Victim Driver Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash Injuring Second Victim
Driver Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash Injuring Second Victim See new update: Selkirk Woman Killed In Head-On SR 85 Crash In Bethlehem One person is dead, and another is hospitalized following a three-vehicle highway crash in the region. The Albany County wreck happened just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, in Bethlehem, on State Route 85 near the Albany city limits. Bethlehem Police said one driver was pronounced dead at the scene while a second motorist was taken to Albany Medical Center with unspecified injuries. A third driver involved in the wreck was not injured. Authorities did not reveal the deceased victim’s name, age, or hometown. Be…
Video Shows Moment Wrong-Way Thruway Driver Went Off Overpass In Capital Region Video Shows Moment Wrong-Way Thruway Driver Went Off Overpass In Capital Region
Video Shows Moment Wrong-Way Thruway Driver Went Off Overpass In Capital Region A cell phone camera was rolling when an elderly, wrong-way driver went off an overpass on the Thruway. The Albany County incident happened at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5 on I-87 in the town of Bethlehem. New York State Police said an 84-year-old man from New Hampshire suffered a medical emergency that caused him to drive the wrong way. Video taken by another motorist and shared on the Albany subReddit shows the SUV avoided hitting numerous oncoming vehicles before going off an overpass. Troopers said the driver was taken by ambulance to Albany Medical Center after suffering only min…
Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say
Capital Region Firefighter Stole From Hospitalized Patients' Homes, Police Say He was sent to help them, but police say a paramedic from the region stole from his patients after they were hospitalized. Albany County resident Devvan Farina, age 39, of Albany, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including burglary, on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bethlehem Police said Farina stole from multiple homes while working as a paramedic for the Albany County Sheriff’s Office in Bethlehem and a firefighter for the city of Troy. He targeted homes that he knew were unoccupied after the residents had been taken to the hospital, police said. It was not immediately clear how many people we…
Armed Robber Lures Online Seller Before Stealing Jewelry, Car Keys In Capital Region, Cops Say Armed Robber Lures Online Seller Before Stealing Jewelry, Car Keys In Capital Region, Cops Say
Armed Robber Lures Online Seller Before Stealing Jewelry, Car Keys In Capital Region, Cops Say A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in the region that began with a Facebook Marketplace post. The Albany County incident happened at around 11:30 p.m. Dec. 27, 2023, in Bethlehem, in the hamlet of Slingerlands. Bethlehem Police said a woman called 911 reporting an armed robbery in progress in the parking lot of the Plug Power facility, located on Vista Boulevard. The male victim told investigators that he had arranged to meet a stranger there after posting jewelry for sale on Facebook Marketplace.  When he arrived, he was attacked by two men, one …
‘What The F*** Just Happened?’ Capital Region Twins Land Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ ‘What The F*** Just Happened?’ Capital Region Twins Land Deal On ‘Shark Tank’
‘What The F*** Just Happened?’ Capital Region Twins Land Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ They swam with the sharks and made it out with a deal. New York sisters Taylor Capuano and Casey Sarai – who hail from Albany County and graduated from Bethlehem High School – appeared on an episode of “Shark Tank” that aired on Friday, Dec. 15. The twins were seeking a $300,000 investment for a 5 percent stake in their business, CAKES Body, which sells seamless, silicone nipple covers with no adhesives. Earlier Report: 'Nipple Freakout' Solution Lands Bethlehem Sisters On 'Shark Tank' Early in their pitch, they had the “shark” investors laughing with their term for what happens wh…
Pediatric Nurse From Capital Region Dies At Age 34 Of Cancer: 'Brought Warmth To Everyone' Pediatric Nurse From Capital Region Dies At Age 34 Of Cancer: 'Brought Warmth To Everyone'
Pediatric Nurse From Capital Region Dies At Age 34 Of Cancer: 'Brought Warmth To Everyone' Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a beloved pediatric nurse and former EMT from the region following her death. Albany County resident Kristina Ferraro, of Bethlehem, died Thursday, Nov. 2, at the age of 34 following a battle with colon cancer, according to her obituary.  Ferraro was born in Queens and began her nursing career at Albany Medical Center in the pediatric intensive care unit, where she “touched the lives of many children and families,” her memorial said. “She had a smile and sense of humor that could shine light in the darkest of places and an infectious laug…
Drone Seen Flying Over School In Capital Region Perfectly Legal, Police Say (Poll) Drone Seen Flying Over School In Capital Region Perfectly Legal, Police Say (Poll)
Drone Seen Flying Over School In Capital Region Perfectly Legal, Police Say (Poll) A drone that was seen flying over several schools in the region sparked concerns among parents and prompted a police investigation. The unusual sight was spotted in Albany County on Thursday, Oct. 12, in the town of Bethlehem. Several people contacted the Bethlehem Police Department saying a drone was flying over Slingerlands Elementary, Eagle Elementary, and Bethlehem Central High schools. Officers responded and found the drone’s pilot, who identified himself as an employee of the CoStar Group who was taking commercial real estate photos. He also gave officers his Federal Aviation Admin…
Embattled Builder's Undue Lien Cost Saratoga Springs Homeowner Over $140K, Police Say Embattled Builder's Undue Lien Cost Saratoga Springs Homeowner Over $140K, Police Say
Embattled Builder's Undue Lien Cost Saratoga Springs Homeowner Over $140K, Police Say The owner of a construction company in the region already accused of defrauding his contractors is facing more charges after allegedly placing an undue lien on a homeowner’s property, costing them over $100,000. Albany County resident Aaron Godlewski, age 31, of Altamont, was arrested again Thursday, July 13, following an investigation by Saratoga Springs Police in Saratoga County. According to police, the victim hired Godlewski’s company, Godlewski Builders, to build a home in Saratoga Springs. Earlier Report: Altamont Home Builder Defrauded Multiple Contractors, Police Say The vic…
New Details: Missing 29-Year-Old Was Found Dead In Capital Region River New Details: Missing 29-Year-Old Was Found Dead In Capital Region River
New Details: Missing 29-Year-Old Was Found Dead In Capital Region River Authorities have released new details in the case of a missing woman from the region who was later found dead. Okelly Yhap, age 29, was reported missing by Albany Police on Sunday, July 9. On Tuesday morning, July 11, investigators were called to Bethlehem’s Henry Hudson Park with reports that a body had been found in the Hudson River. Bethlehem Police later confirmed that the body is that of Yhap. Police did not speculate on a possible cause of death, but said her death does not appear suspicious. In their initial announcement, police said Yhap was developmentally disabled, deaf, and h…
New Update: Missing Capital Region Woman Found Dead New Update: Missing Capital Region Woman Found Dead
New Update: Missing Capital Region Woman Found Dead The search for a missing woman from the region has ended in tragedy two days after she went missing. Okelly Yhap, age 29, of Albany, had last been seen at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday, July 9, near Alexander and Clinton streets. On Tuesday, July 11, Albany Police announced that Yhap was found dead in the town of Bethlehem. Police did not speculate on a possible cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, but her death does not appear suspicious, according to police. In their initial announcement, police said Yhap was developmentally disabled, deaf, and had a history of depression.
Home Builder Defrauded Multiple Contractors In Capital Region, Police Say Home Builder Defrauded Multiple Contractors In Capital Region, Police Say
Home Builder Defrauded Multiple Contractors In Capital Region, Police Say A home builder in the region is accused of failing to pay contractors for their work, in one case knowingly issuing a bad check, authorities said. Aaron Godlewski, age 31, of Altamont, was arrested Tuesday, June 13, on suspicion of fraud and other charges, according to New York State Police. Troopers were initially contacted in early May 2023 by a contractor who claimed he was issued a bad check by Godlewski, who was acting as a home builder and general contractor for Godlewski Builders LLC. Investigators determined that Godlewski had been hired by multiple people in New Scotland, Altamont…
Former SUNY Police Officer In Capital Region Accused Of Sexual Contact With Child, Rape Former SUNY Police Officer In Capital Region Accused Of Sexual Contact With Child, Rape
Former SUNY Police Officer In Capital Region Accused Of Sexual Contact With Child, Rape A 23-year-old police officer who was employed at two different agencies in New York has been been charged with sexual assault against a child, rape and two other offenses. New York State Police Latham Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Orange County resident John Kyle B. Dizon, age 23, of Cornwall, on Friday, June 9, and charged him with the following: Predatory sexual assault against a child,  Criminal sexual act in the first degree,  Rape in the first degree, Sexual abuse in the first degree. On Thursday, June 1, state police received information that an adult man had se…
17-Year-Old Student Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash 17-Year-Old Student Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash
17-Year-Old Student Killed In Capital Region Highway Crash Classmates and loved ones are mourning the loss of a high school senior who was killed in a highway crash in the region just weeks before graduating. Albany County resident Michael Kleinke, a 17-year-old student at Colonie Central High School in Colonie, died Saturday, May 13, according to district Superintendent David Perry. The teen’s death came two days after emergency crews in Bethlehem were called shortly before 2 p.m. Thursday, May 11, with reports of a two-car crash on Route 85 near the Thruway. Kleinke was transported to a hospital, where he eventually died from his injuries, accor…
Tip Lands Capital Region Man In Jail On Child Porn Charges, Police Say Tip Lands Capital Region Man In Jail On Child Porn Charges, Police Say
Tip Lands Capital Region Man In Jail On Child Porn Charges, Police Say A man from the region is facing child pornography charges following a cyber tip to police, authorities said. Albany County resident Jason Sammon, age 39, of Bethlehem, was arrested Thursday, May 4, days after troopers searched his home, according to New York State Police. During their search, troopers reportedly uncovered evidence that Sammon possessed images “consistent with child sexual exploitation,” police said. The investigation came after the agency received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Sammon was arraigned at the Bethlehem Town Court on t…
Drunk Driver On Area Highway Had Teen In Car, Police Say Drunk Driver On Area Highway Had Teen In Car, Police Say
Drunk Driver On Area Highway Had Teen In Car, Police Say A 33-year-old man is facing DWI charges after he was allegedly busted driving drunk on a highway with a teenager in the car, authorities said. Troopers in Albany County stopped Evan Person, of Ozone Park, Queens, at around 2 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, for a vehicle and traffic violation as he drove on I-87 in the town of Bethlehem, according to State Police. During their interaction, troopers determined that Person was intoxicated. Testing revealed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent, police said. Troopers said he also had a 15-year-old passenger in the car. The teen was later turn…
Healthcare Aide Stole Elderly Resident's Money At Senior Facility In Capital Region, Police Say Healthcare Aide Stole Elderly Resident's Money At Senior Facility In Capital Region, Police Say
Healthcare Aide Stole Elderly Resident's Money At Senior Facility In Capital Region, Police Say An employee at a senior living facility in the region is facing charges after allegedly stealing from an elderly resident. State Police in Rensselaer County were first contacted in early September 2022 with reports that someone had stolen money from a resident at Ludder's Country Homes, located in West Sand Lake. Investigators eventually determined that 42-year-old Deborah Miller, of Bethlehem, a healthcare aid at the facility, was responsible for the theft, police said. Miller was arrested Monday, Oct. 17, on suspicion of petit larceny after surrendering at a State Police facility in Sand…
Man Accused Of Driving Drunk At More Than Twice Legal Limit In Capital District Man Accused Of Driving Drunk At More Than Twice Legal Limit In Capital District
Man Accused Of Driving Drunk At More Than Twice Legal Limit In Capital District A 22-year-old Hudson Valley man is accused of driving while intoxicated at more than two times the legal limit. Troopers pulled a vehicle over on I-87 in the Albany County town of Bethlehem for vehicle and traffic violations at about 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 29, New York State Police said. Police said the driver, identified as Rockland County resident Cristian Agualema, of New City, was found to be intoxicated. He was arrested and tested as having a blood alcohol content of 0.19 percent, authorities said. Agualema was charged with aggravated DWI, State Police reported. Police said he wa…
Stranded Driver Nabbed For DWI In Capital District After Troopers Stop To Help Stranded Driver Nabbed For DWI In Capital District After Troopers Stop To Help
Stranded Driver Nabbed For DWI In Capital District After Troopers Stop To Help A woman from the region who thought she was getting assistance with car trouble got slapped with criminal charges instead. New York State Police found Cassandra Jones, of Albany, stopped on I-87 in Bethlehem with a flat tire at around 6:20 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. But as troopers spoke with Jones, they determined that she was under the influence of alcohol, police said. She was arrested and taken to a facility in Albany, where testing allegedly revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit to drive. Jones was charged with aggravated driving while intoxica…
Driver Charged With DWI After Deadly Crash In Capital District Driver Charged With DWI After Deadly Crash In Capital District
Driver Charged With DWI After Deadly Crash In Capital District One person is dead following a suspected drunk driving crash in the Capital District. Emergency crews in Albany County were called Sunday, Aug.14, with reports of a collision between two vehicles in Bethlehem, near State Route 396 and Starr Road. When officers arrived, they found the driver of one vehicle dead at the scene, according to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not publicly identified the driver. Deputies determined that the other driver, Samuel Keir, of Hannacroix in Greene County, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. At the time of the crash, K…
'Life Of The Party': Longtime Special Ed Teacher In Capital District Dies At Age 68 'Life Of The Party': Longtime Special Ed Teacher In Capital District Dies At Age 68
'Life Of The Party': Longtime Special Ed Teacher In Capital District Dies At Age 68 A longtime educator in the Capital District is being remembered for her ability to connect with her students. Joan Murray, of Albany, died Monday, Aug. 1, at the age of 68 following a “courageous battle” with pancreatic cancer, according to her obituary.  Born in Albany on Aug. 25, 1953, to John and Loretta, Murray graduated from Marylrose Academy in 1971 and D’Youville College in Buffalo in 1975, her obituary said. She earned her master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. “Joan was always active - the life of the party,” her memorial said. “She welcomed everyone into her home and had …
Man Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash On Thruway Man Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash On Thruway
Man Charged In Fatal Hit-Run Crash On Thruway More than a month after an Albany man survived a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer on the New York State Thruway only to later be killed by a hit-and-run driver, police have made an arrest. Ardit Lleshi, age 25, of Garfield, New Jersey, was taken into custody on June 30 in connection to the death of 48-year-old Michael Tran, according to New York State Police. Earlier report: Wrong-Way Driver Hit, Killed After Walking From Crash In Bethlehem Lleshi was extradited to New York on Wednesday, July 13. Tran’s body was found on the side of the road in Albany County on May 30, near Exit …
Capital District Gets $27M For ‘Environmentally Friendly’ Pedestrian, Biking Projects Capital District Gets $27M For ‘Environmentally Friendly’ Pedestrian, Biking Projects
Capital District Gets $27M For ‘Environmentally Friendly’ Pedestrian, Biking Projects The Capital District is set to receive more than $27 million in federal funding to help pay for new pedestrian and biking projects around the region. New York was awarded a total of $178.8 million in federal dollars that will go to 75 communities across the state for projects that promote environmentally friendly modes of travel and make it easier and safer to bike and walk, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office. The funding - made available from the Federal Highway Administration - will cover up to 80 percent of costs for projects like new sidewalks, shared use paths, and other enhanceme…