Tag:

Law Enforcement

Hudson Valley Undersheriff, Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly: 'Dedicated His Life To Public' Hudson Valley Undersheriff, Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly: 'Dedicated His Life To Public'
Hudson Valley Undersheriff, Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly: 'Dedicated His Life To Public' Colleagues are mourning the sudden death of Greene County Undersheriff Michael Overbaugh. The longtime public servant, 62, died unexpectedly at home Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, the sheriff’s office confirmed Friday, Feb. 14. A cause of death was not given. “It is with great heartache and sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Undersheriff, Michael Overbaugh,” the agency said on Facebook. A US Navy veteran, Overbaugh brought a wealth of experience and dedication to his many roles. Before joining the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a lieutenant with the …
Man Starts Blaze At Building He Held Insurance Policy On In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate Man Starts Blaze At Building He Held Insurance Policy On In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate
Man Starts Blaze At Building He Held Insurance Policy On In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate A 53-year-old man who admitted to intentionally setting fire to his Orange County property and later fleeing the state will now spend years in prison, prosecutors announced. Hui Zhang of Middletown was sentenced in Orange County Court on Monday, Feb. 10, to two to six years in state prison after pleading guilty to third-degree arson and second-degree bail jumping in connection with a fire in September 2021, the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Feb. 14.  According to court documents and statements, the incident occurred on Sept. 30, 2021, at approximately 3:…
Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide
Eagles Seek Revenge, Kendrick Ignites Halftime, Free Stream Offered: Your Super Bowl LIX Guide America's biggest unofficial holiday is here and Super Bowl Sunday offers so much beyond what happens on the field inside the Caesars Superdome. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. This showdown is a rematch of the NFL's 2023 championship game when the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs have been slight betting favorites at -1.5 on most sportsbooks since the matchup was finalized. That's a reversal from when they were about two-point underdogs in Super B…
Plan To Deputize Private Citizens In NY Faces Lawsuit From Dems: 'This Is Not The Wild West' Plan To Deputize Private Citizens In NY Faces Lawsuit From Dems: 'This Is Not The Wild West'
Plan To Deputize Private Citizens In NY Faces Lawsuit From Dems: 'This Is Not The Wild West' Long Island Democrats and civil rights attorneys are fighting back against a plan to deputize private citizens, calling the move illegal. A lawsuit filed by Nassau County Democratic legislators against County Executive Bruce Blakeman in New York Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 5, seeks to block what they say amounts to an “illegal, taxpayer-funded militia.” Blakeman’s plan calls for deputizing private citizens as “special sheriff’s deputies” during emergency declarations. If activated, members would be paid $150 per day. Democrats blasted the move, arguing it lacks transparency, oversigh…
17-Year-Old Repeatedly Stabbed Teen At Park In Region, Police Say 17-Year-Old Repeatedly Stabbed Teen At Park In Region, Police Say
17-Year-Old Repeatedly Stabbed Teen At Park In Region, Police Say A 17-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing attack that injured a teenager at a Capital Region park. Watervliet Police located a juvenile victim suffering from multiple stab wounds at the city's Seventh Street Park on the evening of July 7, 2024, according to police. After months of investigating, detectives identified the juvenile suspect and arrested him in Albany on Thursday, Jan. 30, according to police. The teen's name was not made public due to his age. The defendant was arraigned in Albany County Court on charges of attempted murder in…
Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say
Scammers Claim Relatives Are in Trouble Over Phone Calls In Dutchess, Police Say Authorities in Dutchess County are urging residents to stay vigilant as scammers increasingly target unsuspecting victims and claim their loved ones are in trouble.  The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning on Wednesday, Feb. 5 about an increasing number of phone scams, many of which prey on emotions by falsely claiming a loved one has been hurt or arrested. Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officials or relatives, pressuring victims into sending money immediately.  One of the latest scams reported involves fraudsters calling victims and claiming that …
NY Cops Teaming Up With ICE For Mass Deportations Of Undocumented Immigrants NY Cops Teaming Up With ICE For Mass Deportations Of Undocumented Immigrants
NY Cops Teaming Up With ICE For Mass Deportations Of Undocumented Immigrants A local police department in New York is teaming up with federal immigration officers to carry out President Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. On Long Island, ten members of the Nassau County Police Department will be embedded with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out targeted immigration enforcement, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. The enforcement efforts will target undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes in Nassau County. “I want to stress that this program is about illegal migrants who have committed crimes…
Video Shows Route 17 Procession Escorting Body Of NJ Officer Steven Fernandez Home Video Shows Route 17 Procession Escorting Body Of NJ Officer Steven Fernandez Home
Video Shows Route 17 Procession Escorting Body Of NJ Officer Steven Fernandez Home The body of Ridgefield Park Police Officer Steven Fernandez was escorted back to New Jersey on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in a major procession along Route 17. Video captured by Boyd A. Loving shows Ridgefield Park Officer Steve Fernandez's body being escorted home Wednesday, Feb. 4. Boyd A. Loving Video of the procession was captured at the Route 17 Park & Ride in Ridgewood by Boyd A. Loving. The clip shows dozens of law enforcement vehicles traveling in the southbound lanes. The procession traveled along Route 17 through New York into New Jersey ending at approximately 4 p.m. Fer…
Man Torches NY Trooper’s Dad’s Home After Getting Ticket In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate Man Torches NY Trooper’s Dad’s Home After Getting Ticket In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate
Man Torches NY Trooper’s Dad’s Home After Getting Ticket In Hudson Valley: Here's His Fate An Orange County man who set fire to the home of a New York State Trooper’s father just hours after receiving a traffic ticket from him will spend decades in prison, officials announced. Middletown resident Tyler Williams, age 26, was sentenced by Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown to 20 years behind bars, followed by five years of post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to second-degree arson, Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Tuesday, Feb. 4.  Prosecutors said that on the night of Dec. 20, 2023, a state trooper pulled Williams over …
Thieves Strike Twice: 2 Cars Stolen In Dutchess Within Minutes, Police Say Thieves Strike Twice: 2 Cars Stolen In Dutchess Within Minutes, Police Say
Thieves Strike Twice: 2 Cars Stolen In Dutchess Within Minutes, Police Say Authorities in Dutchess County are investigating after two vehicles were stolen within minutes of each other in the City of Poughkeepsie. The incidents happened early Friday, Jan. 31, when officers responded to 120 Hudson Ave. around 6:30 a.m. for a report of a stolen vehicle, police said. The victim told officers she had started her car to warm it up and returned a few minutes later to find it gone. As officers were investigating, they were alerted to a second stolen vehicle in the same area. Both incidents remain under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to call…
ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Hudson Valley Village ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Hudson Valley Village
ICE Looks For Person With Criminal Warrant In Hudson Valley Village Federal immigration agents conducted an operation in Pleasantville on Thursday, Jan. 30, as part of efforts to locate an individual with a criminal warrant, officials announced.   According to a statement from the Village of Pleasantville, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) notified the Pleasantville Police Department that agents would be operating in the village to apprehend a specific person.  However, local authorities clarified that Pleasantville police were not involved in the warrant service.  Agents were seen operating in the area of Wheeler Avenue in t…
Caught! Man’s Desperate Attempt To Hide Illegal Gun Fails In Hudson Valley Caught! Man’s Desperate Attempt To Hide Illegal Gun Fails In Hudson Valley
Caught! Man’s Desperate Attempt To Hide Illegal Gun Fails In Hudson Valley A man has admitted to gun charges after police found him hiding a firearm in his Orange County home, officials announced.  Newburgh resident Ernie Prospere, age 50, pleaded guilty in Orange County Court on Monday, Jan. 27, to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon and faces six years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, when he returns to court on Thursday, April 3, the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Officials said Prospere was identified in a 911 call reporting a person with a gun in the City of…
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Dutchess, Police Warn Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Dutchess, Police Warn
Burglars Targeting Asian Americans, Stealing Cash, Jewelry In Dutchess, Police Warn Authorities are warning residents in Dutchess, Westchester, and Putnam counties about a recent string of residential burglaries targeting Asian Americans and advising them to step up security measures.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 29, New York State Police said three burglaries have been reported within the past week, specifically targeting homes of Asian American residents.  In two of the incidents, burglars stole large amounts of cash and jewelry. Investigators believe these crimes follow a targeted pattern. State Police are advising all residents—particularly th…
Poughkeepsie Ringleader, Gun Maker From Dutchess Get Years In Jail In Drug, Firearm Bust Poughkeepsie Ringleader, Gun Maker From Dutchess Get Years In Jail In Drug, Firearm Bust
Poughkeepsie Ringleader, Gun Maker From Dutchess Get Years In Jail In Drug, Firearm Bust A Poughkeepsie man who ran a major drug and firearms trafficking operation in Dutchess County will serve more than a decade behind bars, while his top weapons supplier—who built ghost guns in his home—was sentenced to even more time, authorities announced.  New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed on Wednesday, Jan. 29, that Muayad Qader, 35, of Poughkeepsie, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple felonies for his role in a sprawling narcotics and illegal firearms network. His main supplier, Jason Knapp, a Dutchess County resident who built untrace…
Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say
Trooper Shot Himself On NY Highway Before Blaming 'Dark-Skinned Man,' Police Say A former New York State Police trooper who claimed that a driver shot him, triggering a region-wide manhunt, made the whole thing up, prosecutors alleged. Thomas Mascia, 27, of West Hempstead, surrendered to police Monday morning, Jan. 27, before being arraigned on a count of making a false report and related charges in Nassau County District Court. Mascia initially told colleagues that he was walking toward what he assumed was a disabled vehicle when he heard several shots fired by a “dark-skinned man” on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead shortly before midnight on Oct. 30, 2024…
Late-Night Gunfire In Hudson Valley Ends With Loaded Weapon Seized, Suspect Caught: Police Late-Night Gunfire In Hudson Valley Ends With Loaded Weapon Seized, Suspect Caught: Police
Late-Night Gunfire In Hudson Valley Ends With Loaded Weapon Seized, Suspect Caught: Police Shots fired in the middle of the night in the Hudson Valley led to the arrest of a man now facing multiple weapons charges, police said.  The incident happened in Orange County on Sunday, Jan. 19, at around 2:46 a.m., when City of Newburgh Police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert for gunfire in the area of 35 Cerone Pl., the department announced on Friday, Jan. 24.  Police arrived at the scene and spotted a man in the area of the activation. As additional officers arrived, the man, identified as 50-year-old Samuel Ponder of Newburgh, allegedly threw a heavy object int…
Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Hudson Valley Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Hudson Valley
Rumor Of Illegal ATV Racing On Frozen Lake Sparks Police Crackdown In Hudson Valley Authorities in a Hudson Valley town are cracking down on illegal activities after receiving reports of a planned ATV and vehicle race on a frozen lake. The Carmel Police Department in Putnam County issued a stern advisory on Friday, Jan. 24, emphasizing that such events are unsanctioned, non-permitted, and prohibited under town regulations.  Police also noted that no frozen body of water in the town has been deemed safe for such use, adding to the potential dangers of the planned event. To prevent the unauthorized activity, the Carmel Police Department will deploy additional officers …
Threats to Son Uncover Hidden Weapons: Man Nabbed For Illegal Gun Possession In Hudson Valley Threats to Son Uncover Hidden Weapons: Man Nabbed For Illegal Gun Possession In Hudson Valley
Threats to Son Uncover Hidden Weapons: Man Nabbed For Illegal Gun Possession In Hudson Valley An argument and threatening text messages sent to his son led to the discovery of illegal firearms and the eventual conviction of a Hudson Valley man, officials announced. Orange County resident Justin Babik of Goshen, age 47, was convicted on Tuesday, Jan. 21, after a jury trial in Orange County Court on charges of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the Orange County District Attorney's Office announced. According to the DA's Office, on May 8, 2024, Babik allegedly argued with his son and sent him threatening text…
Former Cop Convicted Of Killing NY Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident' Former Cop Convicted Of Killing NY Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident'
Former Cop Convicted Of Killing NY Native Husband In What He Called 'Freak Accident' A 38-year-old former Tenafly police officer has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his husband, a retired NYPD officer in 2023 in Sussex County, authorities said. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Joseph Grieco and his husband, John Kelly had returned to their Vernon home from a night out with friends, Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said. Griceo had consumed alcohol at the Vernon VFW earlier that night and continued to drink while at home with Kelly and friends, Murray said. Early the next day, Grieco retrieved his handgun and began to handle it, despite mu…
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal
Dialing It Back: NY Students Would Be Barred From Using Phones During School Day Under Proposal Students could soon go from scrolling to schooling. A bold initiative unveiled by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Jan. 22, would restrict smartphone use in all K-12 schools during the entire school day, including lunch time. The proposal, introduced as part of the governor’s 2026 Executive Budget, aims to prioritize student learning and mental health, Hochul’s office said. “From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. Under the…
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Hudson Valley Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Hudson Valley
Local Family Loses $40K After Responding To Fake Email In Hudson Valley Authorities are warning residents to stay vigilant following an email scam that cost a Hudson Valley family $40,000.  According to an announcement from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the incident began on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, when the victim received a fraudulent email that appeared to be from PayPal. The email claimed that an account had been opened in the victim’s name with a $400 charge.  The victim called the number provided in the email and unknowingly engaged with a scammer posing as PayPal support. The scammer convinced the victim to grant …
Trump Pardons Former Beacon Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Trump Pardons Former Beacon Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
Trump Pardons Former Beacon Man Convicted In Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Days after taking office, President Donald Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentence of more than a thousand people who participated in the deadly riot at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, including a 35-year-old Hudson Valley man who had been convicted of felony charges.  The conviction of White Plains resident William Pepe, formerly of the Dutchess County city of Beacon, was overturned by an executive order signed by Trump on Monday, Jan. 20. Pepe had previously been found guilty of charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6 breach in October 2024. According to federa…
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy
ICE Enforcement Allowed At Schools, Churches Under New Trump Policy Federal immigration authorities now have the ability to arrest individuals in and around  schools and churches — areas previously considered sensitive.  This new policy change involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, announced on the second day of the new Trump Administration on Tuesday, Jan/ 21 by Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman and represents a significant shift from long-standing guidelines. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest," Huffman said in a statement. "The Trump Administration …
Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors
Trump Swearing-In Ceremony, Inaugural Address Moved Indoors For the first time in 40 years, a presidential inauguration will be held indoors. Extremely cold temperatures forecast for Monday, Jan. 20 in Washington, DC have resulted in the change. President-elect Donald Trump announced the move in a social media post at noon Friday, Jan. 17, saying, "There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way.  "It is dangerous conditions for the tens of thousands of Law Enforcement, First Responders, Police K9s and even horses, and hundreds of thousands of supporters that will be outside for many hours…
Dutchess County Quadruple Shooting Investigation Leads To 2 More Arrests: Police Dutchess County Quadruple Shooting Investigation Leads To 2 More Arrests: Police
Dutchess County Quadruple Shooting Investigation Leads To 2 More Arrests: Police The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department has announced additional arrests in the ongoing investigation into a Friday, July 5, 2024, quadruple shooting on Main Street.  According to Det. Lt. Sean McCarthy, after an extensive investigation led by the Detective Division’s Neighborhood Recovery Unit, two individuals now face multiple charges related to the violent attack. The investigation initially resulted in the arrest of Jaimez Freeman on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, who was charged with one count of attempted murder. However, on Thursday, Jan. 16, police charged Glendale Wright, 18, and S…
Rockland Sheriff’s Office Launches Blue Envelope Program For Drivers With Autism Rockland Sheriff’s Office Launches Blue Envelope Program For Drivers With Autism
Rockland Sheriff’s Office Launches Blue Envelope Program For Drivers With Autism The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office is introducing the Blue Envelope Program, a safety initiative to improve interactions between law enforcement and autistic drivers. Sheriff Louis Falco III announced the program by emphasizing the unique challenges faced by drivers with autism during routine traffic stops.  “There are many adult drivers living with autism whose physical movements or verbal responses may be beyond their control during a traffic stop,” said Falco. “Unfortunately, this has sometimes led to misunderstandings and escalations during interactions with law enforcement.” Fa…
Juvenile Arrested For Setting Fires At Hudson Valley High School Juvenile Arrested For Setting Fires At Hudson Valley High School
Juvenile Arrested For Setting Fires At Hudson Valley High School According to authorities, a juvenile has been charged with starting two fires at a Hudson Valley high school. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Town of Montgomery Police Chief John Hank said the juvenile, whose name is not released due to his age, allegedly started the fires on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Valley Central High School in Montgomery. According to court documents, the fires were set in two separate second-floor bathrooms around 12:30 p.m. while over 1,300 students were in the building.  One student was in a restroom stall when one of the fires ignited. The fir…
Suspicious Object At Ulster County School Found To Be Burnt Flashlight: Police Suspicious Object At Ulster County School Found To Be Burnt Flashlight: Police
Suspicious Object At Ulster County School Found To Be Burnt Flashlight: Police A suspicious object discovered in the parking lot of an Ulster County elementary school prompted an early dismissal and a thorough investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The incident occurred at Kerhonkson Elementary School around 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13.  According to Ulster County Sheriff's Office Capt. Joseph Sciutto, the school resource officer, was notified by staff about the object and markings on the pavement. The deputy secured the area and requested assistance from an explosive detection K9. A comprehensive search of the school and its property revealed no haza…
Mail Thief Nabbed After Making High-Speed Escape In Hudson Valley Mail Thief Nabbed After Making High-Speed Escape In Hudson Valley
Mail Thief Nabbed After Making High-Speed Escape In Hudson Valley An 18-year-old man was nabbed by police for allegedly stealing mail that contained personal financial information out of residential mailboxes with two accomplices. Lt. Daniel Schoales of the Stony Point Police said Mahamadou Sissoko, of the Bronx, was charged on Thursday, Jan. 8, for the crimes committed on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Tompkins Cove. According to Schoales, Sissoko and the two accomplices were seen stealing mail. Police arrived as the trio attempted to flee in a vehicle driven by Sissoko. The vehicle was later found off the roadway, down an embankment, and fully engulfed in f…
High-Speed Pursuit In Hudson Valley Leaves Officer Injured, Suspect in Custody: Police High-Speed Pursuit In Hudson Valley Leaves Officer Injured, Suspect in Custody: Police
High-Speed Pursuit In Hudson Valley Leaves Officer Injured, Suspect in Custody: Police A high-speed vehicle pursuit in Orange County ended with the arrest of Alejandro Garcia and minor injuries to a police officer.  The incident began on Thursday, Jan. 9, around 11:35 a.m. on Carpenter Avenue in the Town of Wallkill, when Middletown Police Officers Jason Berman and Nicholas Langford attempted a vehicle stop as part of a narcotics investigation. According to Lt. Jeffry Thoelen of the Middletown Police, Garcia, age 34, of Middletown, was the subject of a search warrant and charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, suddenly fled the scene, driving over Officer L…
Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison
Anesthesiologist Who Drugged, Sexually Assaulted Victim In Hudson Valley Gets Years In Prison A former Putnam County anesthesiologist will spend years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing and assaulting a victim, officials announced.  Paul Giacopelli, a Southeast resident and former chief anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital, was sentenced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to four years in state prison, according to the Putnam County District Attorney's Office.  Giacopelli's sentencing follows his guilty plea on Aug. 21, 2024, to charges stemming from an incident in which he used a chemical substance to render his victim unconscious before sexually abusing her. Th…