HUDSON—Three people were apprehended after fleeing the scene of a burglary at 54 Parkwood Boulevard.
Columbia County 911 received a call from a citizen reporting a burglary in progress Tuesday, November 19 at 7:34 a.m. Two males and one female subject ran out of the house into a wooded area.
Hudson Police Officer David Card quickly apprehended the female. A detail made up of Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies and Greenport Police Chief Kevin Marchetto converged on the neighborhood. Read more…
GREENPORT—Four Brooklyn men were arrested for using and possessing counterfeit money, November 7 at 4 p.m.
Columbia County 911 dispatched Sheriff’s deputies and Greenport Police to the Walmart Store on Fairview Avenue at 11:22 a.m. When they got there patrols interviewed, Walmart Loss Prevention personnel who advised them that two male subjects had just attempted to purchase gift cards using counterfeit money. One of the subjects was able to make the transaction and get out of the store before the money was found to be fake. The other male subject was turned away at the cash register by a Walmart employee as he was attempting to purchase cards with the money. He too, left the store.
Patrols were also advised that a third male subject was in the store at the same time near the gift card rack and was approached by Loss Prevention workers. When asked if he needed any help the man abruptly left the store as well. Patrols quickly obtained a description of all three men as well as the vehicle they got into and left the parking lot in. This information was broadcast to other patrols in the area. Read more…
Four students and the driver were hurt when a school bus went off Pumpkin Hollow Road in Taghkanic. Photo contributed
TAGHKANIC—Several children and the bus driver were hurt in a school bus accident on Pumpkin Hollow Road just east of County Route 27, November 8 at 7:52 a.m.
Columbia County 911 dispatched Sheriff’s deputies to the scene. They determined that a 66-passenger 2005 ICRP bus operated by Christopher Fitch, 57, of Niverville was headed east on Pumpkin Hollow Road when for reasons still under investigation, the bus went off the south side of the road and struck a tree with its rear passenger side.
After striking the tree, the bus came to rest back on the roadway, according to a press release from Columbia County Sheriff David P. Bartlett.
The Community Rescue Squad took Mr. Fitch with complaints of head and neck pain to the Albany Medical Center for treatment.
The school bus was occupied by 10 Taconic Hills School students, ranging in age from 8- to 15-years-old, who were all checked at the scene. Four students complained of head pain. The Greenport Rescue Squad took two of them to Columbia Memorial Hospital by for evaluation. One student was driven to CMH by his/her parents and the parents of the final student took the child to Copake Rapid Care.
A bus was sent to the scene to transport the remaining uninjured students to the Taconic Hills School.
K9 Sergeant Heath Benansky conducted a commercial motor vehicle inspection of the bus, which is registered to Michael S. Johnston. The school district contracts with Mr. Johnston for use of the bus and driver.
Community Rescue Squad, Greenport Rescue Squad, Taghkanic Fire Company, Columbia County Fire Coordinator’s Office, Columbia County Emergency Management, and the Taghkanic Highway Department all assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office were Sheriff Bartlett, Undersheriff John Davi, Captain John DeRocha, Lieutenant Wayne Lopez, K9 Sergeant Heath Benansky, Sergeant Peter Grzeskow, Deputies Samantha Plass, Peter Merante, and Andrew Horst.
Hillsdale
A local woman was taken to the hospital after this rollover accident in Hillsdale. Photo contributed
A Hillsdale woman was hurt in a one-vehicle roll-over crash on County Route 21, just east of Caso Lane, November 2 at 11:11 a.m.
Columbia County 911 summoned Sheriff’s deputies to the scene, where they found that a 2017 Lexus R450, operated by Doris Lindbergh, 70, of Hillsdale had been traveling east on County Route 21.
For unknown reasons, the vehicle went off the south side of the road and struck a ditch, which caused the it to overturn and come to rest on its roof, according to a press release from Sheriff Bartlett.
The Greenport Rescue Squad took the operator, who was alone in the vehicle, to Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington, MA, for treatment of head and chest pain.
The accident is still under investigation at this time.
The Greenport Rescue Squad and Hillsdale Fire Company assisted at the scene.
Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office are Sergeant Jeffrey Hofstetter, Deputies Peter Merante and Andrew Horst.
Drugs/alcohol
The following face drug- and/or alcohol-related charges:
*A State Police Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Sobriety Checkpoint resulted in several arrests. State troopers from Troop K, Zone 1 in Columbia County conducted a DWI sobriety checkpoint at the Rip Van Winkle Bridge approach, Greenport, October 26.
As a result, the following arrests were made: Jahmir Barnett-Williams, 20, of Hudson for DWI and unlawful possession of marijuana; Brandon Borst, 18, of Loch Sheldrake for seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana; Brandon Dick, 18, of Red Hook for seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana.
All were processed and ordered to appear in Greenport Court at a later date.
In a press release, State Police Captain David Kolb said, “Several drivers thanked us for being out there.” He also noted several ride sharing services traveled through the checkpoint, and that some of the riders told the troopers they hired the service because they felt they had too much to drink and safely drive.
*Laura B. Clark, 54, of Austerlitz was charged with aggravated DWI by State Police after they were called to the Canaan exit on I-90 for a report of an intoxicated person who was stopped in the lane at the Thruway toll, October 31 at 7:10 p.m.
Ms. Clark was found to be allegedly intoxicated. She was taken to SP Albany where her blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.30%. (more than three times the legal limit.) She was charged and released to a sober third party with appearance tickets returnable in Canaan Court November 14.
To contact Diane Valden email
Charges dropped in DWI case
CLAVERACK—Charges against Peter Hayes of Mellenville stemming from a January 15 traffic stop by a Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy on County Route 11 have been dropped.
A letter dated April 19, 2019 from Columbia County Assistant District Attorney Trevor O. Flike to Claverack Justice Michael Brandon states, “The People, respectfully, decline to prosecute the above named defendant’s charges for Driving While Intoxicated in violation of Vehicle and Traffic Law Sec. 8 1192.2 and 1192.3 and any other tickets issued as part of the arrest on January 15, 2019. The arrest appeared in the January 31 issue of The Columbia Paper.
Major Mazzone assigns new leadership
Captain David W. Kolb (r) and Lieutenant Scott Hurley. Photo contributed
LIVINGSTON—Captain David W. Kolb has been named Troop K, Zone 1 commander and Lieutenant Scott Hurley is the new Zone 1 lieutenant.
The assignments were made by State Police Troop K Commander Major Richard L. Mazzone, and were effective September 5.
Captain David Kolb started his career as a trooper in 1992 working in Troop K, Zone 1 and for two years in the Governor’s Protective Service Unit before returning to Troop K in 2000. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2001 serving first in Troop F and later in Troop K. As a sergeant, Capt. Kolb, served as station commander of both the Rhinebeck and Livingston barracks. He then served as the Emergency Management non-commissioned officer of Troop G beginning in 2005 prior to being promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2014. Lt. Kolb was initially assigned to Troop F, and the Internal Affairs Bureau, before returning to Troop K in 2016, eventually being assigned as the assistant Zone 1 commander. Capt. Kolb was promoted to his present rank in 2018. He first served as the troop executive officer at Troop K Headquarters, before being assigned to his current assignment as the zone commander for Zone 1. Capt. Kolb has earned two Letters of Commendation from the superintendent, and one Superintendent’s Award throughout his career.
He assumes the post previously held by Captain Kathryne M. Rohde who is new assistant director of training at the State Police Academy.
Lieutenant Scott Hurley joined the State Police as a trooper in 2000, and was assigned to numerous stations in both Putnam and Dutchess counties. In 2006 he was promoted to the permanent rank of sergeant, and was also appointed investigator on the same day. He was initially assigned as an investigator to the SP Wappinger barracks until 2012, when he joined the State Police Computer Crimes Unit, responsible for digital investigations in all four Troop K counties. Upon his promotion to lieutenant in 2015, he was assigned to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Troop K, until transferring to Zone 1 as the assistant zone commander in December 2018.
Both officers bring knowledge and experience with them to Zone 1 Headquarters SP Livingston.
Troop K Zone 1 has five barracks including satellite installations, serving 24 towns, and 7 villages in Columbia and northern Dutchess counties.
VALATIE—Deputies seized a large quantity of opioids and arrested a Troy woman on felony drug charges after a vehicle and traffic stop at the intersection of State Route 203 and Church Street in the Village, Saturday, November 2.
At 12:38 a.m., Sheriff’s Office First Sergeant John Rivero and K9 Deputy Jason Garvey were on routine patrol when they saw a blue 2012 Dodge Avenger fail to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of State Route 203 and Church Street. The deputies initiated a traffic stop and identified the operator of the vehicle as Amanda Johnson, 33, of Troy.
A license check on Ms. Johnson revealed that her license was suspended nine times for various reasons, including failing to answer a summons. Read more…
COPAKE—The victim of a Halloween party shooting early Sunday morning, October 27 remains listed in stable condition at Albany Medical Center as of Wednesday, October 30 and a Philmont man is in custody on an attempted murder charge.
State Police from Livingston were called to the shooting at 23 Waldorf Ridge Road, October 27 at 12:30 a.m. At the residence, troopers and Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies encountered a large group of young people and a male subject, Cody Curtis, 22, of Copake with numerous gunshot wounds.
A preliminary investigation revealed on the night of October 26, the homeowner hosted a Halloween party for several friends. Throughout the night, the party grew to more than 60 guests as it was advertised on social media, police said.
During the party, an argument between attendees broke out and the victim was shot six times with a handgun. Mr. Curtis suffered gunshot wounds to his head, torso, left ear, right shoulder, right chest, right side and right lower abdomen.
He was treated at the scene by the Community Rescue Squad and was taken to Albany Med by Life Net helicopter from a landing zone in Copake Memorial Park. He subsequently underwent surgery.
The investigation led police to the suspect’s residence, where a search warrant was executed and he was taken into custody on Sunday night.
Jesus Figueroa, 26, of Philmont was charged with second degree attempted murder, a class A felony, and second degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class C felony.
Mr. Curtis and Mr. Figueroa did not know each other prior to the party, officials said.
Mr. Figueroa was charged and arraigned in Claverack Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail, awaiting further proceedings.
State Police were assisted by Hudson Police, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbia County DA’s office, Community Rescue and the Copake Fire Department.
The investigation remains active and State Police ask anyone with any information about the Halloween party or the shooting to contact them at 518-851-2972.
Chatham
State Police investigated a fatal accident involving a tractor trailer and passenger car on I-90 (Berkshire Spur) October 26 at 12:12 a.m.
State Police, along with East Chatham firefighters and Chatham Rescue were dispatched to an accident which occurred on I-90 eastbound at mile marker 16.2. An investigation at the scene revealed that Michael E. Jones, 54, of Portland, MA, was driving a 2019 Volvo tandem tractor trailer, eastbound in the left lane when he encountered a wrong-way driver and was unable to avoid the vehicle.
A 2006 Volvo S60, operated by George E. Tiggle, 45, of Schenectady was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when the two vehicles collided.
The tandem tractor trailer continued east, struck the guard rail, and spun 180 degrees, causing the second trailer of the combination vehicle to overturn, blocking all eastbound lanes. Mr. Jones was not injured in the accident.
The passenger-vehicle Volvo drove off the north shoulder into the median where Mr. Tiggle was pronounced dead by a Columbia County coroner.
The eastbound lanes of the Berkshire Spur remained closed for more than three hours while about 100 gallons of diesel fuel were cleaned up and the vehicles recovered.
State Police from Albany were assisted at the scene by Troop K Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop K Collision Reconstruction Unit and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, New York State Thruway maintenance and Traffic Safety, as well as New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for spill response. The accident remains under investigation. Firefighters were back in service at 4:27 a.m.
Austerlitz
State Police from the Kinderhook and Livingston barracks charged Joseph A. Medina, 63, of Austerlitz for promoting a sexual performance by a child, a class D felony.
The morning of October 17, a search warrant was executed at a residence on Route 22 in Austerlitz by the State Police. Investigation with the assistance of the Troop K Computer Crimes Unit found Mr. Medina had allegedly uploaded child pornography to the internet.
He was arraigned in Livingston Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail. He is scheduled to appear again in Austerlitz Court at a later date. This investigation remains ongoing.
Drugs/alcohol
The following face drug- and/or alcohol-related charges:
*Trina Sadofsky, 45, of Hudson was charged with DWI, a class U misdemeanor, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, following too closely and operating a vehicle with restrictions, all traffic infractions, by Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Brian Molinski and Deputy Steven Rose, September 11 at 5:05 p.m. Columbia County 911 dispatched deputies to a property-damage accident on State Route 66 in Greenport. Reportedly, one of the vehicles left the scene. Deputies located the vehicle in question and its operator, Ms. Sadofsky. Field sobriety tests were administered, which she failed. She was arraigned in Greenport Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail/$2,000 bond with a return court appearance at a later date.
*David W. Morse, 30, of Brooklyn was charged with DWI by State Police from Livingston, September 15. He was traveling on State Route 9G in Greenport, when he was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
*Ashley N. Benson, 31, of Chatham was charged with DWI by State Police from Kinderhook, September 22. She was traveling on State Route 203 in the Town of Kinderhook, when she was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed she was under the influence of alcohol. She was subsequently arrested.
*Nicholas A. Yezzi, 31, of Kinderhook was charged with DWI by State Police from Kinderhook, October 6. He was traveling on County Route 28A in the Town of Kinderhook when he was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
*Gino P. Costa, 26, of Claverack was charged with DWI by State Police from Livingston, October 14. He was traveling on Millbrook Road in Claverack, when he was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
*Justin B. Clairmont, 28, of Pittsfield, MA, was charged with DWI by State Police from New Lebanon, October 19. He was traveling on State Route 20 in New Lebanon, when he was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
*Robert L. Newberry, 24, of Greenport was charged with DWI by State Police from Kinderhook, October 20. He was traveling on State Route 9H in Town of Kinderhook, when he was stopped for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation revealed he was under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently arrested.
To contact Diane Valden email