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Law Enforcement

New Update: Officer Released From Hospital Following Deadly Shooting In Region New Update: Officer Released From Hospital Following Deadly Shooting In Region
New Update: Officer Released From Hospital Following Deadly Shooting In Region A week after being shot in an ambush attack in which the suspect then killed himself, a police officer in the region is back home with his family. Albany Police officer Jonathan Damphier was released from Albany Medical Center Hospital on Wednesday, April 24, the agency announced. Cameras were rolling as Damphier emerged from the hospital in a wheelchair accompanied by Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. He received a round of applause from the dozens of law enforcement members gathered outside before being helped into a waiting ambulance. Officers applaud as Albany Police Officer Jonat…
Series Of Threats To Police: 48-Year-Old Year Nabbed In Region Series Of Threats To Police: 48-Year-Old Year Nabbed In Region
Series Of Threats To Police: 48-Year-Old Year Nabbed In Region A Hudson Valley man was charged with making a terroristic after allegedly repeatedly calling a police department and making threats of violence, police said. Dutchess County resident Michael A. Cavagnolo, 48, of Hyde Park, was charged on Tuesday, March 5, with making threats against the town of Hyde Park Police, said Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. According to Watterson, the Sheriff's Office was requested to investigate and found that on several occasions, he threatened to shoot officers and destroy their facility. Cavagnolo was charged with making a terroris…
Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street
Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban NY Street More than a quarter of a million dollars has been raised to support the families of a police officer and sheriff's deputy killed in a shootout with a suspect who also died on a quiet suburban street in upstate New York earlier this week. The two officers were  Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hoosock, age 37, and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, age 29. Hoosock is survived by his wife, Caitlin, and their three young children, ages 7, 5, and 3. As of Wednesday morning, April 17, a Fund the First drive for the families of the two has pulled in around $255,000 of a go…
Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY
Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY Two police officers were killed overnight in a shooting on a suburban street in upstate New York. Click here for a new, updated story: Over $250K Raised For Families Of Deputy, Cop Killed In Shootout On Quiet Suburban Street In NY The incident happened in Onondaga County in the village of Liverpool, located just north of Syracuse, shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14. According to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, Syracuse Police Officers encountered a suspicious vehicle at Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street and attempted to stop it. However, the driver refused to stop and fle…
Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns Scammers Posing As NYSP Troopers, Agency Warns
Scammers Posing As Nysp Troopers, Agency Warns New York State Police are sounding the alarm over scammers posing as troopers in order to con victims out of their money. In an alert issued Tuesday, April 9, the agency said fraudsters employ a variety of tactics to con their victims, including demanding payment for a missed court date, jury duty, or other legal matter. The phony cops have also been known to claim there is a warrant for the victim’s arrest and threaten to apprehend them unless a fine is paid. In some cases, scammers have directed the victim to buy a prepaid money transfer card and give them the card number. “They might s…
Scammers From NY Thinking They Were Collecting $60K Land Behind Bars In Maryland: Sheriff Scammers From NY Thinking They Were Collecting $60K Land Behind Bars In Maryland: Sheriff
Scammers From NY Thinking They Were Collecting $60K Land Behind Bars In Maryland: Sheriff A couple of New Yorkers tried to pull a fast one on a woman in Maryland, but were ultimately apprehended after getting greedy and attempting to go to the well one too many times.  The Washington County Sheriff's Office was advised this week about a scam involving a pair who had been collecting large amounts of cash from a Hagerstown woman, prompting an investigation that led to the arrests of Jinghai Fang and Binbin Ge. In late March, investigators say that the woman received a notification on her tablet that one of her accounts had been hacked, so she called the supplied number and fo…
Police Vehicle From Region Involved In Crash, Officer Injured Police Vehicle From Region Involved In Crash, Officer Injured
Police Vehicle From Region Involved In Crash, Officer Injured A Hudson Valley police officer was injured when his vehicle hit a curb, and then a tree before rolling over while attempting to avoid another driver who allegedly cut him off in traffic. The crash occurred in Orange County around 8:15 p.m., Saturday, March 30 southbound on Route 300 in the town of Newburgh. According to Lt. Peter Talarico of the Newburgh Police, Officer William Fiordalisi was traveling southbound on Route 300 in the area of Yobo Restaurant when a 1995 Honda Civic being driven by a 48-year-old man attempting to make a left-hand turn into the Yobo parking lot, cutting of…
Hudson Valley Man Faces 12 Years In Prison For Pulling Gun On Cops Hudson Valley Man Faces 12 Years In Prison For Pulling Gun On Cops
Hudson Valley Man Faces 12 Years In Prison For Pulling Gun On Cops A Hudson Valley man pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon as an armed violent felony just days before his trial was to begin. Related: Poughkeepsie Man Shot After Threatening Officers With Semi-Automatic Handgun, Police Say Dutchess County resident Leopoldo Duarte Palacios, age 38, of Poughkeepsie, made the plea on Tuesday, April 2. During the plea, Duarte Palacios admitted that on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, he possessed a loaded firearm, a Kel Tec Model PF9 nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, and pointed it at police, said Dutchess County District Attor…
Former Cop In Region Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit Former Cop In Region Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit
Former Cop In Region Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit A former Westchester police officer from the Hudson Valley is suing county officials and claiming that he was unlawfully fired for ticketing a woman who flashed a PBA card.  Rockland County resident Joseph Saetta, a former Westchester County Police officer, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the county's Department of Public Safety, its commissioner, Terrance Raynor, and County Executive George Latimer, on Friday, March 8.  According to the lawsuit complaint, Saetta, who previously spent time as an officer in Mount Vernon and Pleasantville, joined the Westchester County…
First Woman Takes Reins As Chief Of Detectives At DA's Office In Region First Woman Takes Reins As Chief Of Detectives At DA's Office In Region
First Woman Takes Reins As Chief Of Detectives At DA's Office In Region The first woman has been named to serve as Chief of Detectives for a Hudson Valley district attorney's office. Deirdre Smith was recently sworn in as the Chief of Detectives for the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, said Scott Waters, spokesman for the office. Smith is a graduate of Manhattan College. She started her law enforcement career in 1993 with the New York City Police Department and spent five years with the department before joining the Suffern Police Department. She served for 22 years with Suffern, retiring at the rank of sergeant. In Suffern, she was also the first f…
Drone Helps Nab Prolific Burglar Who Targeted 11 Businesses In Region, Police Say Drone Helps Nab Prolific Burglar Who Targeted 11 Businesses In Region, Police Say
Drone Helps Nab Prolific Burglar Who Targeted 11 Businesses In Region, Police Say A prolific burglar who targeted nearly a dozen businesses in the region was caught with the help of a drone, police said. Albany County resident Jesse Stockman, age 37, of Colonie, was arrested Friday, Jan. 12, in connection with several break-ins at businesses in Colonie. Colonie Police were called at around 10 p.m. for a report of a commercial burglary in progress near Troy-Schenectady and Old Loudon roads. The culprit fled before officers arrived. As police were investigating, they learned of two more break-ins at nearby businesses. Officers then deployed drones from the department’s U…
Apparent Triple Murder-Suicide Involving PD Sergeant Leaves Westchester Community Stunned Apparent Triple Murder-Suicide Involving PD Sergeant Leaves Westchester Community Stunned
Apparent Triple Murder-Suicide Involving PD Sergeant Leaves Westchester Community Stunned Two communities in the region have been left shocked and saddened after a police sergeant was found dead along with his wife and two young sons inside a home in the Hudson Valley in an apparent murder-suicide. The chain of events unfolded Friday night, Dec. 29 in Westchester County when the Bronxville Police Department said it contacted the Clarkstown PD in Rockland County after 49-year-old Sergeant Watson Morgan did not show up for his evening shift. Morgan joined the Bronxville PD in 2007 after working the previous seven years with the NYPD. He was promoted to the Bronxville PD…
Police Officer Killed After Running Off Roadway In Region, Hitting Tree Police Officer Killed After Running Off Roadway In Region, Hitting Tree
Police Officer Killed After Running Off Roadway In Region, Hitting Tree A police officer was killed in a single-vehicle crash after running off the roadway in the region. Click here for a new, updated story: ID Released For Police Officer Killed In Taconic Parkway Crash The collision took place in Dutchess County around 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18 on the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill. Acting East Fishkill Police Department Chief Derrick Cuccia said the unnamed officer was investigating a possible fatal crash near the East Fishkill Police Department when the officer left to interview a victim at the hospital. While on the way to the hospital, the officer …
District Attorney In Region Retires After 40 Years On Job District Attorney In Region Retires After 40 Years On Job
District Attorney In Region Retires After 40 Years On Job After 40 years on the job, a Hudson Valley district attorney is retiring to spend time with his family and well, relax. Dutchess County District Attorney William "Bill" Grady was honored during a gathering on Monday, Dec. 11 at the Poughkeepsie Grandview. During the event, Grady said, "It had been an honor and privilege to serve the people of Dutchess County as their District Attorney." With a total of 50 years in law enforcement under his belt, Grady said his entire career has been dedicated to holding offenders accountable, ensuring that the needs of crime victims were met, and…
Former NYPD Officer From Region Admits Helping Gang Leader Escape Justice: Feds Former NYPD Officer From Region Admits Helping Gang Leader Escape Justice: Feds
Former Nypd Officer From Region Admits Helping Gang Leader Escape Justice: Feds A former New York City Police officer from Northern Westchester has admitted to warning gang members about a federal investigation into their activity as well as helping the group's leader escape arrest for murder, federal officials said. Mohegan Lake resident Gina Mestre, a 33-year-old former NYPD officer, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to her obstructing a federal investigation into the Shooting Boys gang and helping the group's leader evade justice for murder, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, Dec. 7. Earlier Report -…
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Charity For Autistic Children In Region Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Charity For Autistic Children In Region
Former Officer Avoids Prison Time After Stealing From Charity For Autistic Children In Region A former police officer and co-founder of a Westchester-based charity for autistic children has been sentenced after stealing $24,000 from his own organization named after his son, officials announced.  New Rochelle resident Christopher Greco, age 52, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge for stealing from Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children that he co-founded, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, Dec. 3. Earlier Report - Former Police Officer Steals $24K From New Rochelle Charity Fo…
Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada
Latest Update: 'No Indication Of Terrorism' In Double-Fatal Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada New Update: IDs Released For Couple Killed In Fiery Crash On Bridge Linking NY, Canada Caught On Video There is no indication of terrorism after a car exploded after crashing near a bridge connecting the United States and Canada in New York on one of the year's busiest travel days, killing two people. The Thanksgiving Eve incident happened early Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 22 on the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls. The explosion involved a car entering the US from Canada, according to the City of Niagara Falls. The explosion reportedly happened when the car accelerated to around 80 miles…
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Millions of New Yorkers will soon have their criminal convictions sealed under new legislation meant to better help them find jobs and housing. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Clean Slate Act” into law during a ceremony in Brooklyn on Thursday, Nov. 16. Under the new law, those with misdemeanor convictions will have their records sealed three years after their release from incarceration, while felony convictions will be sealed after eight years. Earlier Report: Suffolk County DA Accuses Lawmakers Of 'Protecting Criminals' With Proposed 'Clean Slate' Bill Class A felonies, which include m…
New Update: Missing CT 15-Year-Old Located In NY New Update: Missing CT 15-Year-Old Located In NY
New Update: Missing CT 15-Year-Old Located In NY Latest update: A 15-year-old Connecticut boy who went missing has been located in New York. Fairfield County resident Maxwell David Yeater had last been seen at the Newman’s Preservatory Trail off Bayberry Lane in Westport at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. Early Sunday evening, Nov. 19, Westport Police announced he had been located in Manhattan in the afternoon. "Through the use of law enforcement sharing and social media platforms, the Westport Police Department was able to track Maxwell Yeater to a New York City Library in the vicinity of Grand Central Station," according to Wes…
Violent Crime Down Across NY Compared To Last Year, New Report Shows Violent Crime Down Across NY Compared To Last Year, New Report Shows
Violent Crime Down Across NY Compared To Last Year, New Report Shows New York state is seeing fewer incidents of violent crime, according to a new report. Data from the first comprehensive overview of crime trends across the state showed a six-percent drop in violent crime outside of New York City during the first half of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday, Nov. 9. The data, which was collectively reported by police departments and sheriffs’ offices in 57 counties, showed decreases in each of the four violent crime categories. Murders were down 27 percent and rapes dropped 16 percent, the report showed. Robbe…
Overpass Bridge To Be Renamed After Fallen Officer From Region: 'Will Not Be Forgotten' Overpass Bridge To Be Renamed After Fallen Officer From Region: 'Will Not Be Forgotten'
Overpass Bridge To Be Renamed After Fallen Officer From Region: 'Will Not Be Forgotten' A bill that would rename a bridge in Westchester after a beloved fallen officer is set to be introduced by both state and county elected officials.  A bill that would rename the Tuckahoe Road Bridge over the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers after Yonkers Police Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino, who died in December 2022, will soon be introduced in the New York state legislature by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh (D-Yonkers).  Additionally, a legislative resolution in favor of the bridge renaming will also be introduced to the Westchester Board of Legislators by County Legislato…
Scary Drivers: Hochul Orders Crackdown On Drunk, Aggressive Driving Over Halloween Weekend Scary Drivers: Hochul Orders Crackdown On Drunk, Aggressive Driving Over Halloween Weekend
Scary Drivers: Hochul Orders Crackdown On Drunk, Aggressive Driving Over Halloween Weekend As Halloween approaches, officials are taking measures to ensure that New Yorkers can have a safe and scary-good time. Starting Friday, Oct. 27, and lasting through Tuesday, Oct. 31, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that both state and local law enforcement will be on patrol in an attempt to crack down on impaired driving. Anyone driving during the crackdown can expect sobriety checkpoints, Hochul said. In addition to watching out for those driving under the influence, police will be keeping an eye out for anyone using electronic devices behind the wheel. Troopers will also be using both ma…
Man Threatening To Torture, Murder Ex-GF Caught By Drone In Sullivan County: Cops Man Threatening To Torture, Murder Ex-GF Caught By Drone In Sullivan County: Cops
Man Threatening To Torture, Murder Ex-GF Caught By Drone In Sullivan County: Cops A man who barricaded himself in his New York home after threatening to torture and kill his ex-girlfriend — as she filed a complaint against him in New Jersey — was captured with the help of drone technology, authorities announced. Joseph B. Bell, 47, is accused of threatening to torture and murder his ex while she was trying to sign a complaint at the New Jersey State Police barracks in Sussex County on Sunday, Oct. 22, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. “At one point the suspect even threatened the New Jersey state trooper who was taking a statement from the victim,” polic…
Corrections Officer Brandishes Gun In Several Businesses In Region After Dispute: Police Corrections Officer Brandishes Gun In Several Businesses In Region After Dispute: Police
Corrections Officer Brandishes Gun In Several Businesses In Region After Dispute: Police A 33-year-old corrections officer was slapped with a felony charge after brandishing a handgun inside numerous Hudson Valley businesses following a dispute, police said. The arrest resulted from an incident in Putnam County on Wednesday, Sept. 27 around 9 p.m., when Carmel Police were alerted of a man brandishing a handgun near the Kobu Asian Bistro in Mahopac at 903 South Lake Blvd. (Route 6N).  According to Carmel Police Lt. Michael Bodo, arriving officers soon found the suspect still holding a loaded .380 caliber pistol and issued orders to him. They were then able to take him into …
Cocaine, Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Region, Police Say Cocaine, Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Region, Police Say
Cocaine, Fentanyl Dealer Nabbed In Region, Police Say A 37-year-old alleged cocaine and fentanyl dealer was nabbed by police investigating drug sales in the Hudson Valley. Dutchess County resident Michael Graham, age 37, of the city of Poughkeepsie was scooped up in Pershing Avenue Park by agents on Thursday, Sept. 14. According to Sgt. Adam Harris of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force, Graham was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance after he was nabbed with large amounts of crack cocaine and fentanyl packaged ready to sell. The arrest came after investigating the sales of fentanyl and crack cocaine i…
Serial Murder Case: Suspect's Family Wants Police To Pay For Leaving NY Home 'In Shambles' Serial Murder Case: Suspect's Family Wants Police To Pay For Leaving NY Home 'In Shambles'
Serial Murder Case: Suspect's Family Wants Police To Pay For Leaving NY Home 'In Shambles' The family of suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann is taking legal action against police who they say turned their New York home upside down in their extensive search for evidence in the case. Heuermann’s adult children plan to file a notice of claim for damages against Suffolk County law enforcement, the first step in a potential lawsuit, their attorney Vess Mitev told Daily Voice. “Their valuables were shattered. Their beds were destroyed. The places that they lay their heads down at night no longer exist,” he said. “Their house is in shambles. It’s ransacked.” Related Re…
Man From Region Sentenced For Killing 1, Injuring 5-Year-Old Man From Region Sentenced For Killing 1, Injuring 5-Year-Old
Man From Region Sentenced For Killing 1, Injuring 5-Year-Old A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced for killing a 29-year-old man and injuring a 5-year-old boy. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced Wednesday, July 26, that Lamont Williams, age 29, of Newburgh, was sentenced to 25 years in prison to be followed by five years of post-release supervision. As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, in the early evening of Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, Williams possessed a loaded pistol that he used to fire at two people. One of the victims, Daquan Corbette. a 29-year-old Newburgh resident, was struck with wounds that p…
New Update: Prisoner Caught After Escaping Custody In Region New Update: Prisoner Caught After Escaping Custody In Region
New Update: Prisoner Caught After Escaping Custody In Region This story has been updated.  Authorities have caught a prisoner who escaped custody while he was being held at a medical center in Westchester.  The prisoner, identified as 24-year-old Geraldo Rojas, was located in the Bronx on Monday, July 24 after 29 hours of "intensive search efforts," Yonkers Police announced  Rojas had escaped from a prisoner detail at St. Joseph’s Hospital on South Broadway (Route 9) in Yonkers during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 23, police said. Earlier Report - Search On For Prisoner Who Escapes From Custody In Yonkers Rojas, who was taken back into …
Police Officer In Orange County Accused Of Sexual Assault Against Child, Rape Police Officer In Orange County Accused Of Sexual Assault Against Child, Rape
Police Officer In Orange County Accused Of Sexual Assault Against 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…
Sex Offenders Being Targeted By Phone Scammers, Police In Region Say Sex Offenders Being Targeted By Phone Scammers, Police In Region Say
Sex Offenders Being Targeted By Phone Scammers, Police In Region Say Authorities in the region are warning of phone scammers who are targeting a new class of victims: registered sex offenders. In a statement issued Friday, May 5, the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office said it was aware of a phone scam in which perpetrators claim to be affiliated with local law enforcement agencies. The caller then tells the victim that they are “non-compliant” for not submitting DNA, and must buy gift cards for specific dollar amounts and send them the card information as a “fine” to avoid being arrested. “The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone…
Be Wary Of New Scams Involving Law Enforcement In Region Be Wary Of New Scams Involving Law Enforcement In Region
Be Wary Of New Scams Involving Law Enforcement In Region With scams everywhere today, even police departments can be used to get money from unsuspecting or vulnerable people. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office warns of a new scam circulating that involves scammers posing as law enforcement.  In at least one case the scammer posed as a sergeant and sent the victim a text implying that they owe $5,000, said Capt. John Watterson of the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. "If you receive a text or message similar to this one it is most assuredly a scam; delete it immediately and do not follow the instructions in it or click …