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New York State Police

Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say
Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say A Long Island caregiver is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her elderly patient. Relatives of a 90-year-old Babylon woman contacted New York State Police on Thursday, Oct. 24, after noticing several suspicious transactions on her bank statement. An investigation revealed that the woman’s home health aide, 39-year-old Jeneva Polwah, of Levittown, had used her debit card to make several Amazon purchases, police said. A total of $1,850 worth of Amazon purchases was charged to the victim’s card between June and October 2024. “Polwah misused her position of trust to steal money fr…
Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead
Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead A New York State Police trooper was hospitalized after his cruiser was struck by a vehicle. The Long Island incident happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, on the Southern State Parkway in the town of Hempstead. The trooper had just completed a traffic stop westbound on the Exit 22N ramp and was getting into the patrol vehicle when it was hit by the passing motorist. The trooper was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for a complaint of pain.  "Thankfully, the Trooper does not appear to have serious injuries," state police said. "This incident highlights…
2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash In Hempstead 2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash In Hempstead
2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash In Hempstead Two people were killed in a wrong-way crash on a Long Island highway. It happened on the Meadowbrook State Parkway north of Bay Parkway in Hempstead, at around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. New York State Police said a vehicle was heading southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck an oncoming car. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. On Thursday, Nov. 7, police identified the wrong-way driver as 64-year-old Timothy Reid, of Huntington. He was driving a Nissan SUV. The other victim was identified as 28-year-old Byron Alvizures, of Hempstead. He was driving a Honda sedan…
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over West Hempstead Shooting Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over West Hempstead Shooting
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over West Hempstead Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed someone shot him on a roadway in the region is now under criminal investigation amid growing doubts over his story. On Long Island, state police “have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported” by trooper Thomas Mascia, an agency spokesperson told reporters Wednesday morning, Nov. 6. Police confirmed that the five-year department veteran is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal probe being conducted by state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Earlier Report: T…
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed he was shot on a roadway in the region has been sidelined amid doubts about his story. On Long Island, trooper Thomas Mascia, age 27, was suspended without pay and stripped of his agency-issued service weapon, an NYSP spokesperson told Daily Voice. The agency is investigating whether Mascia, of West Hempstead, shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports. It comes after state police confirmed it was conducting a joint investigation with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office into what DA Anne Donnelly described as “certain inconsisten…
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By DA Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By DA
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By DA A New York State Police trooper who suffered a gunshot wound on a roadway in the region may not have been entirely truthful about what happened. On Long Island, state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office are investigating “certain inconsistencies” in Trooper Thomas Mascia’s reporting of the alleged incident, a spokesperson for DA Anne Donnelly told Daily Voice. On Monday, Nov. 4, State Police executed a search warrant at Mascia’s home in West Hempstead. The agency also canceled the BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicle. Earlier Report: Trooper Shot In W…
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls A days-long search for a New York mother and her two children was unsuccessful after police say the woman jumped with them off Niagara Falls. State Police say that 33-year-old Chianti Means, Roman Rossman, age 9, and Mecca Means, 5 months old, crossed over the guardrail and went over the falls on Luna Island, which is attached to Goat Island, on Monday night, Oct. 28. "The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation," according to New York State Police. All three were residents of Niagara Falls. New York St…
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Police are investigating a midday crash on a stretch of the New York Thruway that left a trooper severely injured. It happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 on I-87 in Albany County just before the Exit 6-7 off-ramp in Colonie. The investigation has determined that the trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a vehicle and traffic Law violation, the vehicle was being towed, New York State Police said. While loading a vehicle onto the tow truck, both the trooper and tow truck driver were outside their vehicles when they were struck by a passing pickup truck.  The trooper su…
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY A young woman was killed and an infant hospitalized after a vehicle crashed into an Amish carriage on a New York road. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in Herkimer County in the village of Newport, located about 70 miles west of Sarasota Springs. New York State Police say a preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Jeep Renegade operated by a 36-year-old Newport man was traveling east on Butler Road when it struck the rear portion of the Amish Buggy traveling in the same direction. As a result of the collision, Rebecca Swartzentruber, age 31, from Newport, and 1…
Trooper Shot In West Hempstead Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows Trooper Shot In West Hempstead Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows
Trooper Shot In West Hempstead Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows A New York State Police trooper who was shot and injured while trying to help a highway motorist is back home with his family. Thomas Mascia, age 27, was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow on Friday morning, Nov. 1. Law enforcement officers from across Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered outside the hospital for a “walk-out” ceremony honoring the injured trooper. Earlier Report: 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; Cash Reward Being Offered “I’m feeling good,” he told the crowd. “I’m going home.” The jubilant scene came two d…
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; $5,000 Reward Being Offered 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; $5,000 Reward Being Offered
'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; $5,000 Reward Being Offered Authorities said an “all-out” manhunt was underway after a New York State Police trooper was shot on a Long Island highway. The incident happened on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, in the westbound lanes near exit 17, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30. New York State Police said a trooper patrolling the highway pulled up behind what he thought was a disabled vehicle and took down the license plate number. Earlier Report: NYSP Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run He then exited his patrol car and was walking toward the vehicl…
NYSP Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run NYSP Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run
Nysp Trooper Shot On Southern State Parkway In West Hempstead; Suspect On Run A New York State Police trooper is recovering after being shot on a Long Island highway. The incident happened on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, in the westbound lanes near exit 17, late Wednesday night, Oct. 30. According to police, a trooper exchanged gunfire with a suspect before the suspect fled the scene.  The trooper was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition early Thursday, Oct. 31. Authorities did not elaborate on the nature of their injuries. Police said the suspect was a dark skinned man driving possibly a black Dodge Charger with temporary Ne…
Man Struck, Killed By SUV Was Inspecting Car After Minor Crash On NY Thruway, Police Say Man Struck, Killed By SUV Was Inspecting Car After Minor Crash On NY Thruway, Police Say
Man Struck, Killed By SUV Was Inspecting Car After Minor Crash On NY Thruway, Police Say A man who was involved in a minor crash on the New York Thruway was killed when he stepped out of his vehicle to inspect the damage and was struck by a 2018 Ford SUV.  Saul Clark, 55, of Paterson, New Jersey, had gotten out of his vehicle in the southbound lanes of I-87 in West Nyack when he was struck by the passing SUV driven by a Nyack woman just before 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, New York State Police Trooper Steven Nevel said. Nevel said Clark had stepped out of his vehicle to inspect the damage from a minor crash he'd just been involved in. Clark was declared dead at the scene…
Long Island Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say Long Island Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
Long Island Woman Cleans Out Bank Account To Fraudster Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say A months-long investigation has led to the arrest of a man who authorities say impersonated a federal agent and used fear and intimidation to convince a Long Island victim to hand over money. On Friday, Oct. 25, the suspect, Om Parkash, age 31, of Queens, was charged with second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony). In late July of 2023, Parkash contacted the victim in Sag Harbor stating she was involved in a fraud scheme involving large amounts of money, according to New York State Police.  From there, Parkash advised the victim she would have to give money to “federal a…
Motorist Killed After Being Ejected From Vehicle In Upstate Crash Involving Carle Place Driver Motorist Killed After Being Ejected From Vehicle In Upstate Crash Involving Carle Place Driver
Motorist Killed After Being Ejected From Vehicle In Upstate Crash Involving Carle Place Driver A person was killed in a two-vehicle crash in the Hudson Valley. It happened just after 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 in Ulster County in the town of Gardiner. A preliminary investigation by New York State Police revealed that a 2017 Ford operated by a 62-year-old Long Island resident Carle Place, was traveling east bound on State Route 44/55 and made a left turn onto State Route 299 traveling west.  He failed to yield the right of way to a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle that was traveling west causing the motorcycle to strike the vehicle, police said. The motorcycle driver, who wa…
Southern State Double Fatal: 18-Year-Old ID'd As Second Victim In Massapequa Southern State Double Fatal: 18-Year-Old ID'd As Second Victim In Massapequa
Southern State Double Fatal: 18-Year-Old ID'd As Second Victim In Massapequa Authorities have identified a teenager who was killed in a double fatal crash on the Southern State Parkway. The wreck happened in North Massapequa, in the eastbound lanes near exit 29, at around 8:50 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14. New York State Police said a Nissan 350z left the roadway and crashed into the tree line. Troopers arrived to find the vehicle engulfed in flames with the male driver lying outside of the car dead. Earlier Report: Southern State Double Fatal: 21-Year-Old Driver, Passenger Killed In Massapequa He was identified as 21-year-old Brayan Antonio Benitez-Benitez, of Min…
Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man
Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man Have you seen him? A statewide alert has been issued for a New York man who's gone missing. Edmund Zielinski, age 55, is 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with gray/dirty blond hair, according to New York State Police, who note that he has a scar on his throat from vertebrae surgery. He was last seen in the Genesee County town of Pembroke area but frequents other parts of the state, said police.  Police did not say how long he's been missing. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call state police at 716-941-9300. Share this story by clicking on the Facebook icon below. C…
Long Island Man ID'd As Victim In Double-Fatal Wrong-Way Driver Crash In Long Island Man ID'd As Victim In Double-Fatal Wrong-Way Driver Crash In
Long Island Man ID'd As Victim In Double-Fatal Wrong-Way Driver Crash In Two men were killed during a wrong-way driver crash on the Taconic State Parkway in the Hudson Valley. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at 2:40 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15, in LaGrange. According to New York State Police Trooper AJ Hicks, an initial investigation determined Joseph W. LaFave, age 35, of LaGrange, driving a 2017 BMW X1, traveled north in the southbound lane on the Taconic State Parkway in the area of Todd Hill Road.  Hicks said LaFave struck a 2017 Lincoln Navigator head-on in the left southbound lane. LaFave was pronounced dead on the scene by responding paramedics…
Southern State Double Fatal: 21-Year-Old Driver, Passenger Killed In Massapequa Southern State Double Fatal: 21-Year-Old Driver, Passenger Killed In Massapequa
Southern State Double Fatal: 21-Year-Old Driver, Passenger Killed In Massapequa Two people were killed in a fiery, single-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway. The wreck happened in North Massapequa, in the eastbound lanes near exit 29, at around 8:50 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14. New York State Police said a Nissan 350z left the roadway and crashed into the tree line. Troopers arrived to find the vehicle engulfed in flames with the male driver lying outside of the car dead. He was identified as 21-year-old Brayan Antonio Benitez-Benitez, of Mineola. Inside the vehicle, crews located a passenger who had suffered fatal injuries. The passenger’s identity had not been p…
Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man
Statewide Alert Issued For Missing NY Man Have you seen him? A man has been missing for nearly a month-and-a-half and New York State Police are asking the public's help in locating him. Michael A. Pitt, age 47, was last seen on Sunday, Sept. 1, upstate in the area of Livingston County. Police say he could possibly be traveling to New York City. He's described as being 5-foot-10, with blond, wavy, shoulder-length hair, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket and jeans. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at 585-398-4100. Share this story by clicking on the Facebook icon below. Ch…
28-Year-Old ID'd After Fatal Long Island Crash 28-Year-Old ID'd After Fatal Long Island Crash
28-Year-Old ID'd After Fatal Long Island Crash A man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Long Island. The incident happened in Southampton, south of County Road 51 and Speonk Riverhead Road, at around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. Southampton Town Police said a motorcyclist was going southbound on County Road 51 when he crashed into a wooded area. Emergency crews found the victim, 28-year-old Rafael Andre Penalas, of Bayport, unconscious. He was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. A witness told police that Penalas had passed them while speeding shortly before they encountered debris in the roadway…
Police Searching For Answers After Family Of 4 Found Brutally Murdered At Suburban NY Home Police Searching For Answers After Family Of 4 Found Brutally Murdered At Suburban NY Home
Police Searching For Answers After Family Of 4 Found Brutally Murdered At Suburban NY Home New York State Police are asking the public's help in their investigation of a cold-case murder mystery of a family of four at their suburban upstate New York home. Tuesday, Oct. 8 marks the 10-year anniversary of the crime. On that Wednesday in 2014, troopers and multiple other law enforcement agencies responded to the Albany County home on Western Avenue in the town of Guilderland. Inside the home, police located 7-year-old Eddy Chen, 10-year-old Anthony Chen, and their parents, Hai Yan Li and Jin Feng Chen, brutally murdered. "The State Police Troop G Major Crimes Unit and SP New …
Investigation Determines Cause Of WWI Replica Fatal Plane Crash In NY Investigation Determines Cause Of WWI Replica Fatal Plane Crash In NY
Investigation Determines Cause Of WWI Replica Fatal Plane Crash In NY An initial investigation has determined the cause of a crash that claimed the life of a well-known pilot at an air show in New York. Just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Dutchess County, a World War I-era replica Fokker D.VIII caught fire, causing the plane to crash near the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome during an exhibition in Red Hook. The sole occupant of the plane, 60-year-old Madison County resident Brian T. Coughlin, of the town of Cazenovia, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Red Hook Police. A preliminary investigation determined the crash was due to unknown me…
Well-Known Pilot ID'd As Victim Of Fiery Fatal Crash At NY Air Show Well-Known Pilot ID'd As Victim Of Fiery Fatal Crash At NY Air Show
Well-Known Pilot ID'd As Victim Of Fiery Fatal Crash At NY Air Show A pilot killed during a fiery crash while performing in an air show in the Hudson Valley has been identified. The incident occurred in Dutchess County around 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, on Norton Road in Red Hook. According to the Red Hook Police Department, an initial investigation determined that due to unknown mechanical issues, the engine of a World War I Fokker D.VII caught fire, causing the plane to crash near the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome where the exhibit was taking place. The pilot and sole occupant, Madison County resident Brian T. Coughlin, age 60, of Cazenovia, was pronounced dead …
Suspect Slips Out Of Handcuffs, Flees In Troopers' Cruiser On Southern State: Police Suspect Slips Out Of Handcuffs, Flees In Troopers' Cruiser On Southern State: Police
Suspect Slips Out Of Handcuffs, Flees In Troopers' Cruiser On Southern State: Police An allegedly drunk suspect who slipped out of handcuffs and fled from troopers in a New York State Police cruiser on the Southern State Parkway was apprehended a short time later. On Friday, Sept. 27, at about 5:25 a.m., state police responded to a property damage crash on the roadway near Exit 39 in the town of Babylon. Troopers interviewed the driver, John Gibson, age 37, of Copiague, and suspected he may be under the influence of alcohol and or drugs, according to state police. Gibson failed Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and was placed under arrest, handcuffed, and seat-belted into …
Suspect Nabbed After Fleeing From Stop On Southern State Parkway In Wantagh: Police Suspect Nabbed After Fleeing From Stop On Southern State Parkway In Wantagh: Police
Suspect Nabbed After Fleeing From Stop On Southern State Parkway In Wantagh: Police A suspect was apprehended after allegedly fleeing from a stop on the Southern State Parkway. The incident began at around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25 when New York State Police say a tan Toyota Sienna was observed with an improper license plate on the eastbound side near Exit 2 in Wantagh. The driver of the car, Hillary Okeke, age 46, of the Bronx, initially pulled over but subsequently refused to cooperate and fled the scene, according to New York State Police. The trooper pursued Okeke who continued northbound onto Route 135 where the suspect’s car sideswiped another vehicle befor…
Southern State Fatality: Driver Killed, 4 Hospitalized Following 2-Car Long Island Crash Southern State Fatality: Driver Killed, 4 Hospitalized Following 2-Car Long Island Crash
Southern State Fatality: Driver Killed, 4 Hospitalized Following 2-Car Long Island Crash One person was killed and four others were hospitalized after a two-car crash on the Southern State Parkway. The wreck happened in Babylon, in the westbound lanes near exit 39S, at around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. New York State Police said a Honda sedan was speeding when it struck a Honda compact SUV causing both vehicles to leave the roadway and come to rest in the tree line. The driver of the SUV, 49-year-old Reynaldo Collado, of West Babylon, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Four passengers in Collado’s vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life-threate…
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…
LI Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son Was Murder: DA LI Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son Was Murder: DA
LI Mom’s Meth-Fueled, Wrong-Way Southern State Crash Killing 9-Year-Old Son Was Murder: DA A New York mother accused of causing a drug-fueled, wrong-way highway crash that killed her son has been charged with murder. On Long Island, a Suffolk County grand jury charged 32-year-old Kerri Bedrick, of Centerport, with second-degree murder and related charges on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Prosecutors said Bedrick was high on methamphetamine when a Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputy spotted her SUV speeding westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway at around 2:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Earlier Report: NY Mom Accused In Wrong-Way Crash Killing Son Had License Suspend…
Driver Rams, Injures Trooper During Attempted Stop On Southern State Parkway In North Merrick Driver Rams, Injures Trooper During Attempted Stop On Southern State Parkway In North Merrick
Driver Rams, Injures Trooper During Attempted Stop On Southern State Parkway In North Merrick A trooper is recovering after he was rammed by a suspect’s vehicle on the Southern State Parkway. The incident happened in the westbound lanes near Meadowbrook State Parkway in North Merrick at around 10:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. New York State Police said a trooper was attempting to stop a vehicle that was speeding across multiple lanes when he pulled in front of the suspect’s vehicle as it stopped in traffic near the Eagle Avenue exit. As the trooper was getting out of his car, the suspect deliberately accelerated, striking his door and injuring him, police said. The suspect then fled the…
Statewide Alert Issued For 16-Year-Old Girl Who's Been Missing Over A Week Statewide Alert Issued For 16-Year-Old Girl Who's Been Missing Over A Week
Statewide Alert Issued For 16-Year-Old Girl Who's Been Missing Over A Week A statewide alert has been issued for a New York girl who's been missing for over a week. Gianna L. Thomas, age 16, was last seen leaving her Franklin County residence on County Road 20 in town of Constable on Saturday, Aug. 24, according to New York State Police. She's described as being 5-foot-7, 117 pounds, with brown hair, and brown eyes. No clothing description was released. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the State Police at 518-483-5000. Share this story by clicking on the Facebook icon below. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.