11 Undocumented Migrants Among 15 Charged In $1.4M Mass SNAP, Health Benefits Fraud Case: Feds 11 Undocumented Migrants Among 15 Charged In $1.4M Mass SNAP, Health Benefits Fraud Case: Feds
11 Undocumented Migrants Among 15 Charged In $1.4M Mass SNAP, Health Benefits Fraud Case: Feds A federal investigation uncovered a massive benefits fraud scheme that allegedly drained more than $1.4 million from taxpayer-funded programs in Massachusetts. The charges were announced Thursday, June 18, after a Homeland Security Investigations probe led to indictments against 15 suspects, including 11 people living in the country illegally and four U.S. citizens. According to the Department of Justice, the scheme involved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, MassHealth benefits, disability payments, unemployment benefits, and other public assistance programs. Feder…
3 Pounds Of Cocaine Found During Thruway Traffic Stop, NY State Police Say 3 Pounds Of Cocaine Found During Thruway Traffic Stop, NY State Police Say
3 Pounds Of Cocaine Found During Thruway Traffic Stop, NY State Police Say More than three pounds of cocaine were seized during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway, New York State Police announced on Thursday, June 18. Robert C. Davis, 39, of Troy, Freddie J. Fields, 45, of Albany, and Terrell C. Welcome, 36, of Schenectady were arrested following the stop on Interstate 87 in Bethlehem at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, according to state police. Troopers assigned to the Troop G Community Stabilization Unit stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation while working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, police said. Davis was identif…
Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Hudson Valley Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Hudson Valley
Driver Hospitalized After Car Flips Against Tree In Hudson Valley A driver was taken to a hospital after a crash in Putnam County that left a vehicle perched on its side against a tree.  The crash happened in Putnam Valley on Monday, June 15, when firefighters responded to Peekskill Hollow Road just before 5:20 p.m. and found the vehicle rolled over on its side. The trapped driver had to be rescued, firefighters said. They were later taken to a hospital to be evaluated, according to the department.  More details about the cause of the crash were not immediately available. 
Teen Tourist Killed When Central Park Carriage Horse Gets Loose: Police Teen Tourist Killed When Central Park Carriage Horse Gets Loose: Police
Teen Tourist Killed When Central Park Carriage Horse Gets Loose: Police An 18-year-old man died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, police said. The incident happened near 71st Street and Center Drive at 2:47 p.m., according to the NYPD.  Officers were told the man had fallen from the carriage, police said. He was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD. According to ABC7, the man was an 18-year-old tourist. Footage of the horse breaking free and being chased by the driver was shared to X by Gus Stalton, the managing editor of the West Side Rag. Here’s a video of the h…
Death Penalty Possible For Man Accused Of Killing National Guard Specialist Near White House Death Penalty Possible For Man Accused Of Killing National Guard Specialist Near White House
Death Penalty Possible For Man Accused Of Killing National Guard Specialist Near White House A man accused of carrying out a deadly ambush on National Guard members steps from the White House now faces new federal charges that could lead to the death penalty, prosecutors announced.  Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, an Afghan national, was charged in a 17-count superseding indictment filed in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, June 16, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The new charges stem from the shooting that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured Sgt. Andrew Wolfe on Nov. 26. Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, was killed in the sh…
Scottish Soccer Fans Are Drinking US Bars Dry, Forcing Emergency Beer Deliveries Scottish Soccer Fans Are Drinking US Bars Dry, Forcing Emergency Beer Deliveries
Scottish Soccer Fans Are Drinking US Bars Dry, Forcing Emergency Beer Deliveries The British may have marched on Boston centuries ago, looking for a fight. This time, the Scots are here looking for a pint.  Scottish soccer fans have descended on Massachusetts for the World Cup, and in less than a week, they've helped drink some of the city's bars dry. The "Tartan Army" spent the past week filling restaurants and pubs, and in some cases helping empty beer taps across the city, according to NBC Boston. The fans took over the streets last weekend after Scotland claimed a 1-0 win over Haiti on Saturday and marched to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game on Sunday. Sam Ad…
Man, 81, Killed In Route 66 Crash In Hudson Valley Man, 81, Killed In Route 66 Crash In Hudson Valley
Man, 81, Killed In Route 66 Crash In Hudson Valley An 81-year-old driver was killed in a head-on crash on Route 66 in Columbia County.  The crash happened at around 2:20 p.m. on Monday, June 15, when troopers responded to a two-car crash on Route 66 in Ghent, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, June 17. Investigators found that a 2026 Honda CR-V driven by Jere Wrightsman, 81, of Chatham, was traveling southbound when it crossed into the northbound lane and collided head-on with a 2024 Mazda CX-50, State Police said.  A 64-year-old woman from Ghent was driving the Mazda. Both drivers were taken to Albany Medical Cen…
Laser Strike Forces NY State Police Helicopter Off Flight Path; Man Charged With Felony Laser Strike Forces NY State Police Helicopter Off Flight Path; Man Charged With Felony
Laser Strike Forces NY State Police Helicopter Off Flight Path; Man Charged With Felony A laser pointed at a New York State Police helicopter during a nighttime training flight has led to a felony arrest, authorities announced. Daymian S. Massago, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with Directing a Laser at an Aircraft in the First Degree after allegedly aiming a laser at a State Police Aviation Airbus H145D3 helicopter, New York State Police said on Wednesday, June 17. The incident happened at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, while the helicopter crew was conducting night training over Saratoga Springs, according to police. Investigators said the aircraft was…
Wilmington Hospital Shooter ID'd: Cops Wilmington Hospital Shooter ID'd: Cops
Wilmington Hospital Shooter ID'd: Cops A 23-year-old Delaware man was arrested in Philadelphia after police say a shooting at Wilmington Hospital left one 19-year-old dead and another critically injured. John Wallace-Bey, of New Castle, DE, was taken into custody Tuesday night, June 16, in Philadelphia and is awaiting extradition to Delaware, Wilmington Police announced. Wallace-Bey has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, police said. The shooting happened at Wilmington Hospital in t…
Trapped Driver Rescued, Airlifted After Crashing Into Tree In Dutchess County Trapped Driver Rescued, Airlifted After Crashing Into Tree In Dutchess County
Trapped Driver Rescued, Airlifted After Crashing Into Tree In Dutchess County A driver was airlifted to a hospital after becoming trapped inside their heavily damaged vehicle that crashed into a tree in Dutchess County.  The crash happened at around 11:18 p.m. on Monday, June 15, when firefighters responded to a crash in the Town of Dover involving a vehicle that had struck a tree, according to the J.H. Ketcham Hose Company. Arriving crews found the driver stuck inside the wreckage. Firefighters faced a significant challenge during the rescue because of the extensive damage to the vehicle, which severely limited access to the driver.  However, th…
17 Horses Killed In Devastating Barn Fire At Saratoga Casino Hotel Facility 17 Horses Killed In Devastating Barn Fire At Saratoga Casino Hotel Facility
17 Horses Killed In Devastating Barn Fire At Saratoga Casino Hotel Facility A devastating early morning fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness racing facility claimed the lives of 17 horses and destroyed a barn, according to reports. The fire was reported just after 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, at the harness racing complex located at 25 Nelson Ave. in Saratoga Springs, according to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.  When firefighters arrived, they found a barn heavily involved in flames. Because of the serious fire conditions, crews began a defensive attack while working to protect nearby buildings and prevent the blaze from spreading.  Mutual …
Hiker On Mushrooms Runs From Group After Argument In NY State Park — Then Arrested, Cops Say Hiker On Mushrooms Runs From Group After Argument In NY State Park — Then Arrested, Cops Say
Hiker On Mushrooms Runs From Group After Argument In NY State Park — Then Arrested, Cops Say A 30-year-old man faces charges after taking mushrooms during a hike in a New York state park, fleeing from his hiking group after an argument, and running to a nearby street before being caught with drugs, police said. Brooklyn resident Jashiya B. Smith, 30, was arrested on Tuesday, June 16, following an incident that began late Monday night, June 15, in Harriman State Park, New York State Police announced.  According to the agency, the events leading to Smith's arrest began just after 8 p.m. on Monday, when New York State Park Police responded to a report of lost hikers in the p…
Man Hit With Burglary, Assault Charges After Early-Morning Incident In Hudson Valley Man Hit With Burglary, Assault Charges After Early-Morning Incident In Hudson Valley
Man Hit With Burglary, Assault Charges After Early-Morning Incident In Hudson Valley A 30-year-old man was arrested on multiple felony charges following an early-morning burglary investigation in Ulster County, police announced.  Jared P. Raymond, 30, of Saugerties, was arrested just before 5 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, according to the Saugerties Police Department.  He was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felony offenses. Police said the arrest stemmed from an incident on Delaware Street in the hamlet of Glasco. Authorities did not release more details about the circumstances surround…
Officer Injured When Drunk Driver Crashes Into Patrol Car In NY: Police Officer Injured When Drunk Driver Crashes Into Patrol Car In NY: Police
Officer Injured When Drunk Driver Crashes Into Patrol Car In NY: Police A suspected drunk driver slammed into a police vehicle, sending an officer to the hospital in New York, police announced on Tuesday, June 16. Rene Dominguez Alonso, 38, of North New Hyde Park, was arrested after the crash near New Hyde Park Road and Aberdeen Road in North New Hyde Park at 4:20 a.m., according to Nassau County Police. A Third Precinct officer was on routine patrol when a gray 2004 Infiniti sedan struck the patrol vehicle from behind, police said. Another patrol unit nearby on an unrelated assignment witnessed the collision. The driver remained at the scene while officers …
Man Arrested 3 Times In 5 Days, Accused Of Stealing Cars, Wallet In NY: Police Man Arrested 3 Times In 5 Days, Accused Of Stealing Cars, Wallet In NY: Police
Man Arrested 3 Times In 5 Days, Accused Of Stealing Cars, Wallet In NY: Police A 24-year-old man was arrested three times in five days in Ulster County and is accused of stealing multiple vehicles and a wallet — and being repeatedly released, police said.  Luke M. Heiser, 24, was arrested in connection with a string of separate crimes that occurred between June 9 and June 13, the City of Kingston Police Department announced Monday, June 15.  The investigation began on June 9 when a victim reported a stolen wallet and the unauthorized use of credit cards that had been inside it. Police said the wallet was later found in a storm drain where it had been di…
Officer Loses Part Of Vision After Assault In Hudson Valley: Man, 35, Charged Officer Loses Part Of Vision After Assault In Hudson Valley: Man, 35, Charged
Officer Loses Part Of Vision After Assault In Hudson Valley: Man, 35, Charged A man has been charged with felony assault after authorities said he seriously injured a police officer in Ulster County. Saugerties resident John M. Gilkes, 35, was arrested at around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, in connection with the assault, the Town of Saugerties Police Department announced.  The department said Gilkes was charged with second-degree assault for allegedly causing serious physical injury to a Saugerties police officer.  The officer was first transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston and then transferred to Westchester Medical Center, where he is be…
ICE Agent Fires Shots After Illegal Immigrant Rams Car In NJ, FBI Investigating: Feds ICE Agent Fires Shots After Illegal Immigrant Rams Car In NJ, FBI Investigating: Feds
ICE Agent Fires Shots After Illegal Immigrant Rams Car In NJ, FBI Investigating: Feds The FBI is investigating after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fired gunshots after being struck by a vehicle on Monday morning, June 15, federal officials confirmed. At 9:30 a.m., ICE was trying to make an arrest on Route 72 near Mermaid Drive in Manahawkin when the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, striking the agent, Stafford police said. The agent fired his weapon at the vehicle, repeatedly striking it, police said. ICE said that the agent was attempting to arrest Freidrich Castillo-Ormeno, an illegal immigrant from Peru, who was given a final order of rem…
Man, 38, Flees Cops After Speeding On Taconic State Parkway, Police Say Man, 38, Flees Cops After Speeding On Taconic State Parkway, Police Say
Man, 38, Flees Cops After Speeding On Taconic State Parkway, Police Say A 38-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police who tried to pull him over on the Taconic State Parkway in Westchester County, authorities said. The events leading to the arrest began at around 4:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, on the southbound Taconic State Parkway in Yorktown, the Yorktown Police Department announced on Monday, June 15. According to the department, a detective tried to pull over a vehicle that was allegedly speeding and committing other traffic infractions. They activated emergency lights, but the driver allegedly failed to stop and con…
Loaded, Stolen Gun Found In Dutchess County Traffic Stop — Trio Charged, Cops Say Loaded, Stolen Gun Found In Dutchess County Traffic Stop — Trio Charged, Cops Say
Loaded, Stolen Gun Found In Dutchess County Traffic Stop — Trio Charged, Cops Say Three men face felony charges after police said they found them with a loaded stolen handgun during a traffic stop in Dutchess County.  The stop happened in Poughkeepsie at around 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, in the area of Rinaldi Boulevard and Laurel Street, according to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department. During the stop, officers found a loaded 9mm Taurus G2C handgun inside the vehicle, according to police.  The handgun had been reported stolen out of Charlotte, North Carolina. The vehicle's occupants were identified as McArthur Nicks, 24; Camrin Young, 25; and Jale…
2 Troopers Hurt In Crash After SUV Crosses Into Patrol Car's Lane In Hudson Valley 2 Troopers Hurt In Crash After SUV Crosses Into Patrol Car's Lane In Hudson Valley
2 Troopers Hurt In Crash After SUV Crosses Into Patrol Car's Lane In Hudson Valley Two New York State Police members were injured after an SUV struck their patrol vehicle in Columbia County, authorities said.  The crash happened at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, on Route 31 near Hill Road in the Town of Livingston, New York State Police announced. According to the agency, a marked patrol vehicle with both a Field Training Officer and a Probationary Trooper inside was traveling southbound when an oncoming Lexus SUV crossed into its lane.   Investigators said the trooper driving the patrol vehicle tried to avoid the crash by steering onto the west shou…
Dutchess County Woman 3 Times Legal Limit Caught With Child In Car At Gas Station: NYSP Dutchess County Woman 3 Times Legal Limit Caught With Child In Car At Gas Station: NYSP
Dutchess County Woman 3 Times Legal Limit Caught With Child In Car At Gas Station: Nysp A Dutchess County woman is facing a felony charge after police said she drove drunk with a 1-year-old child in her vehicle in Columbia County.  The incident leading to the arrest happened on Friday, June 12, at around 6:10 p.m., when troopers conducted a welfare check on the driver of a 2008 Hyundai at the East Chatham Xtra Mart on Route 295 in Chatham, New York State Police said on Sunday, June 14.  Before the welfare check, troopers had received a report of an erratic driver on the Taconic State Parkway, according to the agency. The driver was identified as Tianna M. Houle, 23,…
Cops ID Victim, 64, Killed In I-287 Crash Cops ID Victim, 64, Killed In I-287 Crash
Cops ID Victim, 64, Killed In I-287 Crash A 64-year-old New Jersey grandfather has been identified as the victim of a deadly crash on an Interstate 287 ramp in Rockland County over the weekend. Troopers from the Tarrytown Thruway Barracks responded to a two-vehicle crash at approximately 1:19 a.m. on Sunday, June 14, on the northbound Interstate 287 ramp leading to the Interstate 87 northbound/southbound split in the Village of Hillburn, according to NY State Police. A 2010 Honda Odyssey was attempting to transition from Interstate 287 to Interstate 87 when it stopped on the center shoulder, over the white fog line and partially wi…
Woman Dragged By SUV During Protection Order Incident In NY: Sheriff Woman Dragged By SUV During Protection Order Incident In NY: Sheriff
Woman Dragged By SUV During Protection Order Incident In NY: Sheriff A woman suffered injuries after she was partially dragged by a vehicle during a domestic-related incident in New York, authorities announced on Sunday, June 14. Craig A. Simmons, 39, of Malta, was arrested following an investigation into a personal injury crash reported on Ellsworth Boulevard in Malta at 10:11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. Simmons was charged on Sunday, June 1, with aggravated family offense and first-degree criminal contempt, both class E felonies, as well as second-degree reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor, the sheri…
Retired Firefighter Shoots 3 Philadelphia Police Officers In Gunfight Retired Firefighter Shoots 3 Philadelphia Police Officers In Gunfight
Retired Firefighter Shoots 3 Philadelphia Police Officers In Gunfight Three Philadelphia police officers were wounded after a retired firefighter opened fire during a confrontation at an active crime scene in West Philadelphia, authorities said. The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, near North 54th and Arlington streets in the city's Wynnefield neighborhood, according to Philadelphia police. Officers assigned to the 19th District had responded to reports of a person with a weapon and shots fired in the area. Upon arrival, they began investigating and canvassing for witnesses and evidence. During that investigation, a 57-year-old man, now…
Westchester Dad Drove Drunk With Child On Taconic: Police Westchester Dad Drove Drunk With Child On Taconic: Police
Westchester Dad Drove Drunk With Child On Taconic: Police A 49-year-old Westchester dad was arrested on felony DWI charges after New York State Police said he was driving intoxicated with a 10-year-old child in his vehicle on the Taconic State Parkway. Troopers stopped a Chevrolet Suburban traveling northbound on the Taconic State Parkway in the Town of Milan at approximately 1:48 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, for a traffic violation, according to New York State Police. Police identified the driver as Thomas P. Dunn, 49, of South Salem, who displayed signs of intoxication and failed standardized field sobriety tests, according to NYSP. Troopers …
1 Dead, 2 Hurt In Overnight Crash On I-287 At NY/NJ State Line 1 Dead, 2 Hurt In Overnight Crash On I-287 At NY/NJ State Line
1 Dead, 2 Hurt In Overnight Crash On I-287 At NY/NJ State Line UPDATE: Authorities have identified the Mini Cooper driver killed as a 64-year-old New Jersey man. One person was killed and two others were injured in a serious overnight crash on Route 287 in Rockland County, just north of the New Jersey state line, the Monsey Scoop reports. The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday, June 14, on the northbound New York State Thruway between Exits 15 and 15A, where an older-model Honda Odyssey and a Mini Cooper collided, the outlet said. Hatzoloh EMS, Spring Hill EMS, Faist EMS, Rockland Paramedics, the Hillburn Fire Department, the Ta…
Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Into Tree On Long Island; Passenger Seriously Hurt Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Into Tree On Long Island; Passenger Seriously Hurt
Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Into Tree On Long Island; Passenger Seriously Hurt A passenger was seriously injured when a driver fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into a tree on Long Island, police announced. Joseph Michael Uhl, 31, of Coram, was driving a 2004 Jeep SUV northbound on Ocean Avenue in Ronkonkoma, when he fell asleep and the vehicle left the roadway, striking a tree at approximately 3:08 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, according to Suffolk County Police. Uhl suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment, police said. The passenger, a 50-year-old East Northport woman, was transported to the same hos…
Woman Sprays Unknown Substance Into Crowd At Long Island Hotel, Sends 4 To Hospital: Police Woman Sprays Unknown Substance Into Crowd At Long Island Hotel, Sends 4 To Hospital: Police
Woman Sprays Unknown Substance Into Crowd At Long Island Hotel, Sends 4 To Hospital: Police A woman is accused of spraying an unknown substance into a crowd during a disturbance at a Long Island hotel, sending four people to the hospital, police announced on Saturday, June 13. Jacquelyn Chan, 33, of East Garden City, was arrested after officers responded to La Quinta Inn, 821 Stewart Ave., in East Garden City at 8:44 p.m. on Friday, June 12, according to Nassau County Police. Investigators determined that during a physical altercation, Chan sprayed an unknown substance into a crowd of people, police said. Four victims were exposed to the substance, suffered irritation, and were tr…
NY Man, 22, Caught Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material Over Snapchat: Sheriff NY Man, 22, Caught Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material Over Snapchat: Sheriff
NY Man, 22, Caught Sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material Over Snapchat: Sheriff A 22-year-old Putnam County man faces felony charges after authorities said they searched his home and found him with child sexual abuse material.  Patterson resident Mario R. Leiva, 22, was arrested on Sunday, June 7, before a search of his home, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 12. The investigation leading to Leiva's arrest began on May 7, when the Sheriff's Office said it received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the distribution of suspected child sexual abuse material over Snapchat.  Investigat…
Man Drives Next To Woman Walking Dogs, Exposes Himself In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says Man Drives Next To Woman Walking Dogs, Exposes Himself In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says
Man Drives Next To Woman Walking Dogs, Exposes Himself In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says A Connecticut man has been arrested after allegedly exposing himself to a woman walking her dogs in a Putnam County, NY neighborhood, authorities said. Fairfield County resident Craig A. Kropa, 39, of New Fairfield, was arrested following an investigation into a public lewdness complaint in the Putnam Lake area of the Town of Patterson, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 12. According to the Sheriff's Office, the incident happened on Wednesday, June 10, when deputies responded to the Putnam Lake area. There, a resident reported that she was walking her do…
Man Steals Over 200 Tires Worth $37K From Mavis Tire Shop In Hudson Valley: Sheriff Man Steals Over 200 Tires Worth $37K From Mavis Tire Shop In Hudson Valley: Sheriff
Man Steals Over 200 Tires Worth $37K From Mavis Tire Shop In Hudson Valley: Sheriff A 39-year-old man has been arrested following an investigation into the theft of more than $37,000 worth of tires from a Putnam County tire shop, authorities said. Martiliano Perez-Vasquez, 39, of Brewster, was arrested following an investigation into missing inventory at Mavis Discount Tire in Southeast, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 12.  The investigation began on Monday, June 1, when deputies responded to the business after management reported ongoing inventory discrepancies involving tires stored in the shop. According to the Sheriff's Office, compan…