Tag:

Arson

Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Hudson Valley Woman Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside In a significant court ruling, a woman from the region was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for arson of a residential building. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Dawn Hulse, age 53, of Port Jervis, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to prison time plus an additional five years of supervised release.  This follows her guilty plea in Orange County Court to commit arson at a two-family residence in Port Jervis. Court documents reveal that on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Hulse disabled the smoke detector from the fuse box and barricaded the…
Man Attempts To Set Fire To Dutchess County Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police Man Attempts To Set Fire To Dutchess County Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police
Man Attempts To Set Fire To Dutchess County Deli With Customers, Employees Inside: Police A former deli employee in the region was nabbed for allegedly attempting to light a business on fire with employees and customers inside. The incident occurred in Dutchess County on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Main Street Deli & Grocery at 390 Main St. in Beacon. According to Beacon Police Chief Thomas Figlia, after arriving on the scene, officers identified Westchester resident Shane Williams, age 39, of Peekskill, as the suspect. The chief said a former employee, Willams, had poured lighter fluid on the building and attempted to ignite it with customers and employees inside. Figlia sa…
13-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy, Girl Nabbed For Arson: Police 13-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy, Girl Nabbed For Arson: Police
13-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy, Girl Nabbed For Arson: Police Two 13-year-old Hudson Valley teens were charged with allegedly setting fire to a large pavilion at a popular park. The incident occurred in Ulster County at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, at the large pavilion at the Cantine Memorial Field Complex in Saugerties. According to the Saugerties Police, the Malden-West Camp Fire Department and the Saugerties Police Department responded to a reported structure fire in the complex. Police said the fire department quickly extinguished the fire along the eastern side of the pavilion, saving it from extensive damage. Saugerties Police opened an inv…
120 Accuse Hudson Valley's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report 120 Accuse Hudson Valley's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report
120 Accuse Hudson Valley's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report The legal troubles faced by Sean "Diddy" Combs, a New York native, are far from over, as the hip-hop mogul is facing allegations of sexual assault from over 100 new accusers, according to a report by NBC News.  Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1 that he is currently representing 120 people with various allegations against Combs occurring over two decades, NBC reported.  These accusations against Combs, a New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, include sexual assault or rape; facilitated sex with a controlled substance;…
Man, Teen Accused Of Dismembering Victim, Burning Body In Shopping Cart In Hudson Valley Man, Teen Accused Of Dismembering Victim, Burning Body In Shopping Cart In Hudson Valley
Man, Teen Accused Of Dismembering Victim, Burning Body In Shopping Cart In Hudson Valley A 40-year-old man and a teenager were apprehended in connection with the murder of a victim whose body was found burning in a shopping cart near a bridge in Westchester, officials announced.  Bronx residents Muhammad Aadil and 18-year-old Ronei Harris were indicted in connection with the murder of 46-year-old Lutalo Henderson, whose body was found dismembered and burned near the border of Yonkers and Mount Vernon on Monday, Aug. 5, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark announced on Wednesday, Sept. 25.  Earlier Report - New Update: Persons Of Interest ID'd After Body Fou…
Hudson Valley's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Hudson Valley's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report
Hudson Valley's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Days after being federally charged with sex trafficking and racketeering offenses, hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs is on suicide watch as he waits for his trial in prison, according to a report by People.  Following his arrest, the 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon was remanded to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday, Sept. 17, where he has been placed on suicide watch, according to People.  The outlet reported that it is not known if Combs is suicidal or how exactly how long he …
Hudson Valley's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Hudson Valley's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds
Hudson Valley's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Following several lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and other abuses, successful hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs now faces federal sex trafficking charges, officials announced.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon, was arrested on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.  According to federal officials, beginning as far back as 2008, Combs ran a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced…
Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says
Woman Admits Setting Fire To Dutchess County Home With Daughter, Grandchildren Inside, DA Says A woman has pleaded guilty to attempted arson in connection with intentionally setting fire to a Hudson Valley home with her and her grandchildren inside. Niagara County resident Itita Washington-Thompson, age 48, of Niagara, made the plea on Monday, Sept. 16, said Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi. Parisi said: "This case is a chilling example of how a domestic incident or dispute can escalate to dangerous extremes."  The incident occurred on Friday, May 24, at Hammersley Avenue in Poughkeepsie. According to officials and court documents, Washington-Thompson…
Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Home In Region In Gas: Police Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Home In Region In Gas: Police
Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Home In Region In Gas: Police A woman from the region is facing multiple felonies after police say she tried to set her mother on fire and burn down their home over the weekend.  Saratoga County resident Ashley L. Millington, age 31, of Milton, is charged with attempted arson in the second degree and arson in the third degree, the Saratoga Springs Sheriff's Office said.  A neighbor called deputies to the Paisley Road home just before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 18, for a mental health disturbance. When they arrived, they found the home doused in gasoline, authorities said.  Her mother was still in the house…
Women Guilty Of Attempted Arson In Region Say It's A Prank: DA Women Guilty Of Attempted Arson In Region Say It's A Prank: DA
Women Guilty Of Attempted Arson In Region Say It's A Prank: DA A Schenectady County jury has found two women guilty of attempting to set on fire in 2022, and now they each face up to 15 years in prison, authorities said on Thursday, Aug. 15.  Jennifer Autar and  Natasha Gregoire were found guilty this week of attempted arson in the second degree and attempting to intentionally damage a dwelling by lighting a fire while a resident was inside the building, the Schenectady County Prosecutor's Office said.  Schenectady police were called to a fire reported on Forest Roads on Jan. 29, 2022. Officers used home surveill…
Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say
Owner Set Fire To Butcher Shop In Capital Region For Insurance Payout, Police Say Sympathizers donated thousands after his popular butcher shop went up in flames, but it turns out the owner himself was to blame, police said. Washington County resident Cody Shields, age 33, of Argyle, was arrested on suspicion of arson Wednesday, July 24, in connection with a fire that destroyed his Albany County business, The Big Body Butcher Shop in Colonie. The Central Avenue business was gutted when flames broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Earlier Report: 'I'm Devastated': Community Rallying For Colonie Butcher Shop Destroyed By Fire Shields called 911 …
Woman From Region Charged With Setting Fire To Apartment, Police Say Woman From Region Charged With Setting Fire To Apartment, Police Say
Woman From Region Charged With Setting Fire To Apartment, Police Say A woman from the region is being held without bail after allegedly setting fire to an apartment using an accelerant. The incident occurred in Sullivan County around 5:20 p.m., on Tuesday, July 16 at the Libery Common Apartment Complex in village of Liberty. According to Liberty Police Chief Steve D'Agata, when officers arrived they found billowing smoke coming out of the residence. Firefighters were able to geet the fire under control and confirmed there were no people inside the burning structure. Liberty Fire Department D'Agataq said after a thorough police investigation by the Liber…
Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Capital Region Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Capital Region
Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Capital Region A 15-year-old girl is charged with murder after allegedly setting a residential fire in the region that killed a man. Emergency crews in Columbia County responded to a Livingston home on State Route 9 on Friday, June 7, for a residential fire with people trapped inside. A male resident was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New York State Police. On Monday, June 10, investigators identified the victim as 58-year-old Edmund Metz. Following an investigation, police determined that the fire was deliberately set by a 15-year-old girl.  The teen was arrested on suspicion of second…
Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA
Man Sets Fire To Hudson Valley Home Of Trooper's Father After Getting Traffic Tickets: DA A 26-year-old has been accused of setting fire to the Hudson Valley home of a state trooper’s father after being issued traffic tickets. According to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler, the man, Tyler Williams, was pulled over and issued traffic tickets by a trooper while driving in Middletown on the evening of Dec. 20, 2023.  Early the next morning, a fire was started at the home of the trooper’s father in Warwick.  After a five-month investigation and the execution of over 20 judicially-authorized search warrants, largely focused on digital forensics, as well as n…
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. …
Hudson Valley Man Indicted On Murder, Concealment Of Corpse Charges, DA Says Hudson Valley Man Indicted On Murder, Concealment Of Corpse Charges, DA Says
Hudson Valley Man Indicted On Murder, Concealment Of Corpse Charges, DA Says A Hudson Valley man has been indicted with the murder of another man whom he shot to death and then drove the victim to another location and set the car on fire. Related story: Years-Long Investigation Leads To Murder Charge For Stony Point Man Rockland County resident Robert Rodriguez, age 36, of Stony Point, was arraigned on Tuesday, Feb. 27 following an indictment by a grand jury. According to Scott Waters of the Rockland County District Attorney's Office, on the evening of Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, Rodriguez shot the victim, Ronald Mann on the property at Rodriguez’s home located at 41…
Man Sets Fire To Veterans Building In Capital Region, Police Say Man Sets Fire To Veterans Building In Capital Region, Police Say
Man Sets Fire To Veterans Building In Capital Region, Police Say A man is facing arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a veterans' organization building in the region. The incident happened at around 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1 in Troy, at the Veterans of Lansingburgh club on 1st Avenue. Troy Police said multiple people called 911 reporting a fire on the building’s exterior. Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames with minimal damage reported to the building. Police said witnesses identified the suspect as 43-year-old Michael Christianson, of Troy. Officers found him a short time later near the scene and arrested him. Christianson wa…
Arsonist Admits Setting Fire To Restaurant In Capital Region, Causing 'Extensive Damage' Arsonist Admits Setting Fire To Restaurant In Capital Region, Causing 'Extensive Damage'
Arsonist Admits Setting Fire To Restaurant In Capital Region, Causing 'Extensive Damage' An arsonist is facing years in prison after admitting that he intentionally started a fire that heavily damaged a restaurant in the region. Schenectady County resident Eric Reed, age 36, pleaded guilty to one count of arson in Schenectady County Court on Friday, Oct 27, stemming from a fire at the Wagon Train BBQ restaurant in Rotterdam. Firefighters were called to the Mariaville Road business at around 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, after flames broke out in a storage shed located right outside the main building. The fire quickly spread to a second storage shed and a utility pole, causing powe…
Arsonist Sets Fire To Capital Region Business, Home, Police Say Arsonist Sets Fire To Capital Region Business, Home, Police Say
Arsonist Sets Fire To Capital Region Business, Home, Police Say A man is facing charges in connection with intentional fires that were set at a home and business in the region. Michael Kabler, age 49, who is homeless, was arrested Saturday, Oct. 7, after multiple agencies responded to a residential fire at the Sunset Trailer Park in Colonie, located on Central Avenue, at around 6 a.m. According to Colonie Police, investigators determined that Kabler was responsible for the fire and had been squatting in the trailer. No other homes were damaged and nobody else was injured. He is also believed to be responsible for a fire that broke out in a camping tr…
Resident Purposely Sets Fire To Capital Region Home Near Cemetery, Police Say Resident Purposely Sets Fire To Capital Region Home Near Cemetery, Police Say
Resident Purposely Sets Fire To Capital Region Home Near Cemetery, Police Say A 66-year-old man is accused of intentionally setting fire to his home in the region. Emergency crews in Rensselaer County were called at around 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, for a house fire in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, on 3rd Avenue near 106th Street. The home backs up to the Old Catholic Cemetery. When firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames, according to Troy Police. Crews spent several hours dousing the fire. Nobody was injured in the blaze. After speaking with the sole resident, Blaise Lanni, investigators determined that he purposely started the fire. …
Arson: 27-Year-Old Disables Alarm Before Setting Fire To Capital Region Apartment, Police Say Arson: 27-Year-Old Disables Alarm Before Setting Fire To Capital Region Apartment, Police Say
Arson: 27-Year-Old Disables Alarm Before Setting Fire To Capital Region Apartment, Police Say A 27-year-old man is accused of setting fire to an apartment complex in the region. Firefighters in Saratoga County were called at around 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, for a structure fire in Ballston on Dominic Drive, according to New York State Police. Members of the Ballston Spa Fire Department isolated and extinguished the fire, and determined it was suspicious. There were no reports of injuries. Several additional agencies responded, including the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management, and concluded that the fire had been intentionally set by David Fink inside his apartment uni…
Suspect Nabbed In String Of Arsons, Thefts In Capital Region Suspect Nabbed In String Of Arsons, Thefts In Capital Region
Suspect Nabbed In String Of Arsons, Thefts In Capital Region A man is behind bars in connection with a string of arsons and thefts in the region. The majority of incidents occurred overnight Tuesday, June 20, in Rensselaer County, in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, according to Troy Police. Four separate fires were reportedly set inside vehicles. Several belongings were also stolen from the cars. Earlier Report: String Of Overnight Car Fires In Troy Under Investigation No buildings were involved and there were no reports of injuries. On Tuesday, Aug. 15, police announced that 44-year-old George Leque, of Troy, was arrested after being ide…
Man Set Fire That Destroyed Garage, Damaged Apartment In Capital Region, Police Say Man Set Fire That Destroyed Garage, Damaged Apartment In Capital Region, Police Say
Man Set Fire That Destroyed Garage, Damaged Apartment In Capital Region, Police Say A 61-year-old man is accused of intentionally starting a fire that destroyed a garage and heavily damaged an apartment building in the region. Rensselaer County resident Paul Coleman, of the Town of Grafton, was arraigned on an arson charge in Rensselaer County Court on Friday, June 9. According to sheriff’s officials, Coleman set fire to the detached garage located next to his apartment building on State Route 2 in the Town of Grafton. The structure was deemed a total loss. Flames also spread to the adjacent apartment building, where eight residents were sleeping, deputies said. Everyone…
Arson Spree: Suspect Nabbed In Series Of Fires In Region, Including One That Damaged Church Arson Spree: Suspect Nabbed In Series Of Fires In Region, Including One That Damaged Church
Arson Spree: Suspect Nabbed In Series Of Fires In Region, Including One That Damaged Church Police have arrested a suspect in a series of arson fires that were set in the region, including one that heavily damaged a church. In Albany County, police and fire crews in Colonie were called at around 12:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, with reports of a brush fire in the traffic roundabout at Albany Shaker and Maxwell roads. The fire left minor damage to a grassy area, according to the Colonie Police Department. Officers later located the suspect, 25-year-old Mark Marcus, of Albany, not far from the scene. According to investigators, Marcus intentionally started the fire, as well as several …
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Burning Down Home Of Ex-Girlfriend, 2 Kids Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Burning Down Home Of Ex-Girlfriend, 2 Kids
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Burning Down Home Of Ex-Girlfriend, 2 Kids A man has been sentenced to prison for arson after burning down the home of his ex-girlfriend and two young daughters in the region. Ulster County resident Timothy Benzenhoefer, age 44, of the hamlet of Malden-on-Hudson, was sentenced on Friday, May 19 to 5 to 15 years in state prison for arson which he committed as part of his ongoing domestic abuse, said the Ulster County District Attorney Office.  The fire took place on Wednesday, June 25, 2022, a few days after calling off his engagement to the victim, Benzenhoefer completely burned to the ground the home where the v…
20-Year-Old Set Fire To Pharmacy In Capital Region Over Pickup Policy, Police Say 20-Year-Old Set Fire To Pharmacy In Capital Region Over Pickup Policy, Police Say
20-Year-Old Set Fire To Pharmacy In Capital Region Over Pickup Policy, Police Say A 20-year-old man is facing arson charges after allegedly setting fire to a pharmacy in the region. In Albany County, the Watervliet Police Department was called on Monday, April 3, with reports of a dumpster fire in the parking lot of Walgreens, located on 2nd Avenue near 19th Street. The fire eventually spread toward the building’s gas line before it was extinguished, according to Watervliet Police. At the time of the incident, the store was open with employees and customers inside. “The Watervliet Fire Department’s quick response was essential to containing the fire to the exterior of t…
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Burning Car, Filing Fraudulent Claim, Police Say Hudson Valley Man Charged With Burning Car, Filing Fraudulent Claim, Police Say
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Burning Car, Filing Fraudulent Claim, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been charged with arson after allegedly having his car burned and then filing a fraudulent claim. Ulster County resident William Duryea, age 27, of Saugerties, was arrested on Monday, March 27 by state police, said Trooper Steven Nevel. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, Duryea went to work at 10 p.m. at the Ulster Service Area on I-87. Around 11:20 p.m. he received a call from Kingston Police telling him that his vehicle was found on fire in Hasbrouck Park, Nevel said. Nevel said Duryea told police that he left his keys in the car when he went to work, and someone must h…
Hudson Valley Restaurateur Sentenced For Burning Down Eatery, Endangering Others Hudson Valley Restaurateur Sentenced For Burning Down Eatery, Endangering Others
Hudson Valley Restaurateur Sentenced For Burning Down Eatery, Endangering Others A former Hudson Valley restaurateur has been sentenced to prison for intentionally burning down his restaurant and endangering the lives of his wife and first responders. Orange County resident Zef Gjurashaj, age 60, of Newburgh, was sentenced Wednesday, March 1. Gjurashaj, who was convicted by a jury in September 2022, was sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for burning down Andiamo’s Restaurant, which was located at 5025 Route 9W, in the Town of Newburgh in 2017, the Orange County DA's Office said. Prior to the trial, Gjurashaj’s co-defendant and the wife of his nephew…
21-Year-Old Accused Of Setting Fire To Home Near Capital Region College Pleads Not Guilty 21-Year-Old Accused Of Setting Fire To Home Near Capital Region College Pleads Not Guilty
21-Year-Old Accused Of Setting Fire To Home Near Capital Region College Pleads Not Guilty A 21-year-old woman accused of setting fire to an occupied home near a college in the region is formally denying any wrongdoing. Allexus Pecoraro, of Erieville in Madison County, pleaded not guilty to an eight-count arson indictment in Albany County Court on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Firefighters in Albany were called at around 7:30 a.m. on May 8, 2022 with reports that a home was on fire near the College of Saint Rose, on Hudson Avenue near Ontario Street, according to Albany Police. The fire destroyed one home and damaged two others, along with three vehicles that were parked nearby. One per…
Rest Area McDonald's Worker Intentionally Set Fire To Building In Region, Police Say Rest Area McDonald's Worker Intentionally Set Fire To Building In Region, Police Say
Rest Area McDonald's Worker Intentionally Set Fire To Building In Region, Police Say A McDonald’s employee at a rest area in the region is facing charges after allegedly setting fire to the building. State Police in Albany County were initially called to the Guilderland Travel Plaza on I-90 just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12, with reports of a fire. Investigators determined that 19-year-old Nyri Baird, of Guilderland, had intentionally started the fire while working at the McDonald's located in the building, police said. Troopers did not elaborate on the extent of damage and it was not immediately clear what led up to the incident. There were no reports of injuries. …
Man Charged With Lighting Brush Fires Intentionally In Hudson Valley: Police Man Charged With Lighting Brush Fires Intentionally In Hudson Valley: Police
Man Charged With Lighting Brush Fires Intentionally In Hudson Valley: Police A man from Fairfield County has been charged with intentionally starting brush fires in the Hudson Valley, police said.  On Sunday, Nov. 27, police in Putnam County responded to a brush fire in Southeast on Old Milltown Road and were told by firefighters that they had responded to an unusually high number of fires in the same area over the past year, according to Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville.  Police then began investigating to find out if the fires were set on purpose, and with the help of an arson detection K9 from the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, authorities real…