State Police arrest Hoosick Falls man following Washington County pursuit
On February 7, 2025, State Police of Greenwich arrested Scott L. Morey, 43, of Hoosick Falls, NY, for two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the third degree and numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
On February 7, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Grandma Moses Road in White Creek, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver, who was later identified as Morey, failed to comply, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued to the area of Vly Summit Road in the town of Easton, NY, where a tire deflation device was successfully utilized. The vehicle continued onto State Route 40 in Easton, NY, where it became disabled, and Morey was taken into custody. The pursuit lasted approximately 30 minutes, and no other vehicles were involved. When Morey was taken into custody, he was found to possess two glass smoking devices containing drug residue and an additional controlled substance.
Morey was transported to SP Greenwich for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Easton Town Court on February 20, 2025, and released.
State Police investigate fatal North Creek skiing accident
On February 8, 2025, State Police of Chestertown responded to Gore Mountain Ski Resort for the report of an injured skier.
On February 8, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m., Troopers responded to the Gore Mountain Ski Resort in North Creek, NY. A severely injured skier had been discovered in the area of the Sagamore Trail. Bystanders and Ski patrol staff attempted all life-saving measures available. Despite their efforts, the skier was declared deceased at the scene.
The decedent’s name will not be released at this time, pending family notification. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Man arrested after fleeing from Troopers and throwing a stolen gun on a rooftop
On February 8, 2025, Troopers arrested Isaiah B. Hunter, 20 of Niagara Falls for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree (loaded firearm), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction Governmental Administration.
On February 8, 2025, Troopers were assisting Niagara Falls Police Department (NFPD) with saturation patrols and attempted a traffic stop for VTL violations on a vehicle traveling on Pine Ave. While the vehicle was still in motion the front seat passenger later identified as Hunter fled from the scene on foot. Troopers located Hunter after a foot pursuit. Three other occupants were detained by Troopers and NFPD at the vehicle. Troopers assisted NFPD that deployed a drone and located a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm with a high capacity magazine on a rooftop in the immediate vicinity of where Hunter was taken into custody. The 9mm was reported stolen in 2006. While this arrest was taking place, NFPD received a 911 call of a robbery of a PS5 Play Station in the area of the traffic stop. It was determined that before the traffic stop, Hunter and the weapon fit the description of the alleged robbery. No charges for the robbery were pursued because the victim was familiar with the vehicle occupants. Hunter was transported to SP Niagara and processed.
Texas male extradited for sex crimes against children
On February 8, 2025, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Lockport arrested Javier A. Vasquez, 22 of Weslaco, Texas for Rape 3rd degree (E Felony) -6 counts, Criminal Sex Act 3rd degree (E Felony) -4 counts, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child (E Felony)- 2 counts, Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
On April 25, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Lockport fielded a walk-in complaint of a possible sex crime. Investigation determined that in August 2024, Vasquez had sexual relations with a female under the age of 17 involving drugs and coercion. Vasquez has left New York months ago and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation utilized NYSP Computer Crimes Unit, Texas Joint Crime Information Center and numerous other investigative leads to find and locate Vasquez in Texas.
Vasquez was indicted in Niagara County Grand Jury for multiple Felony charges. Vasquez was taken into custody by Weslaco Police Department on the Arrest Warrant from Niagara County. On February 5, 2025, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation traveled to Texas to extradited Vasquez. On February 7, 2025, the BCI took custody of Vasquez and extradited him to SP Lockport for processing on February 8th and remanded at the Niagara County Jail.
Fatal Snowmobile Accident Under Investigation in the Town of Webb
The New York State Police are investigating a fatal snowmobile accident that occurred early yesterday morning on Fourth Lake in the town of Webb.
On February 9, 2025, at approximately 2:52 a.m., State Police from SP Remsen responded to 4920 State Route 28 for reports of a multi-snowmobile collision. Upon arrival, Troopers located Spencer W. Schmidt, 22, of Batavia, NY, who was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Preliminary investigation determined that Schmidt was riding with four friends: Cole Phelps, 26, Carl Stephens, 26, Joshua Boyle, 26, and Zachary Dusky, 26. Dusky was the only rider who avoided the accident, and his snowmobile was undamaged.
Investigators believe the crash involved a disabled, unoccupied snowmobile registered to Eric Butler, 37, which had been left on the lake. Evidence suggests that Schmidt, along with Phelps, Stephens, and Boyle, collided with one another and/or the stationary snowmobile.
Due to the weather conditions and location, all involved parties were evaluated on scene and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. At this time, there is no indication of criminality, and the incident appears to be a tragic accident.
All snowmobiles involved have been transported to SP Carthage for further examination by the State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit and Forensic Investigation Unit.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Shots fired call results in one arrest in Herkimer County
On February 9, 2025, State Police arrested Thomas L. Kubelius, age 41, from Schenectady, NY, for:
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm (class “E” Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm 3rd degree (class “D” Felony)
On February 9, 2025, at about 3:47 p.m., State Police responded to 921 Shells Bush Road in the town of Herkimer for a report of shots fired.
An investigation determined that Kubelius was in possession of a firearm, firing multiple shots from a handgun in the backyard of the residence.
No one was harmed, and there is no active threat to the public regarding this incident.
Kubelius was arraigned in the Town of German Flatts Court and remanded to Herkimer County Correctional Facility on $15,000 cash, $30,000 bond.
Edwards male arrested for burglary 3rd, criminal mischief, CPSP 5th, and CPCS 7th
On February 8, 2025, State Police arrested Gregory A. Burnet, 28, of Edwards, NY, on charges of third-degree burglary, criminal mischief, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
At approximately 6:04 p.m. on the same day, Troopers responded to a burglary complaint on River Road in Edwards. Their investigation revealed that Burnet had forcefully entered a garage on State Route 58 in Edwards and stolen items. Additionally, he caused damage to a camper door while attempting to gain entry.
Burnet was arrested and taken to SP Gouverneur for processing. He was subsequently arraigned in the Town of Fowler and released on his own recognizance.
