State Police arrest Fort Edward health aid for Grand Larceny

On February 18, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Tia L. Hayes, 38, of Fort Edward, NY, for Grand Larceny in the third degree, Identity Theft in the first degree, Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the seventh degree.

On January 2, 2025, at about 6:17 p.m., Troopers received a complaint that an elderly Saratoga County resident’s credit card had been stolen and used without authorization. The investigation determined that while employed by Kristina’s Heart to Heart Home Health Care, Hayes provided home healthcare aide services for the victim from spring 2024 until summer 2024. During that time period, Hayes allegedly stole the victim’s credit card. From May 2024 until January 2025, Hayes reportedly made numerous purchases utilizing the stolen credit card without authorization, resulting in the theft of more than $16,000.  

Hayes was located at her home, where she was arrested and transported to SP Clifton Park for processing.  During processing, Hayes was found to be in possession of the victim’s stolen credit card and a controlled substance, both of which were seized. She was arraigned at the Halfmoon Town Court, where she was released on her own recognizance.

State Police investigate fatal wrong way Thruway crash in Amsterdam

On February 19, 2025, State Police responded to the reports of a two-car crash with serious injuries on I-90 in Amsterdam, NY.

On February 19, 2025, at about 8:44 p.m., Troopers responded to I-90 westbound in Amsterdam, NY, for the reports of a two-car head-on crash.  The investigation determined a vehicle being driven by Veronica Armbruster, 59, of Selkirk, NY, was traveling eastbound (wrong-way) in the westbound lanes of the thruway when it struck a vehicle traveling westbound, being driven by Cole M. Sevigny, 26, of Hudson, NH. Both drivers needed to be extricated and were the sole occupants of their vehicles. Sevigny and Armbruster sustained serious injuries and were transported via ambulance to area hospitals for treatment.

Sevigny was later pronounced deceased at Saint Mary’s Hospital.

Armbruster remains at Albany Medical Center and is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

All I-90 westbound lanes were closed between exits 27 and 28 for approximately six hours for the investigation and collision reconstruction.

The investigation into this crash is ongoing.

State Police arrest Bethlehem man for Child Pornography possession

On February 21, 2025, State Police of Latham, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, The Bethlehem Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested Daniel B. Fiato, 43, of Bethlehem, NY, for Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “D” felony, and Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class “E” felony.

Fiato is accused of promoting and possessing images consistent with child sexual exploitation. His arrest followed an investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his Bethlehem, NY, residence on February 21, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Fiato was arrested at his home and transported to SP Latham for processing. He was then arraigned at the Bethlehem Town Court, where he was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

State Police arrest two and recover stolen dirt bike during Brunswick traffic stop

On February 21, 2025, State Police of Brunswick arrested Phillip W. Parson, 52, of Bennington, VT, and Nathan A. Stone, 49, of Bennington, VT, each for Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree and Conspiracy in the fifth degree.

On February 21, 2025, at about 12:14 a.m. Troopers stopped a pick-up truck in the area of Hoosick Road in Brunswick, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation.  The driver was identified as Stone, and the passenger as Parson. During the investigation, Troopers discovered a dirty bike in the back of the pick-up truck had been reportedly stolen from Bennington, VT, on February 16, 2025. The dirt bike was seized.

Stone and Parson were arrested and transported to SP Brunswick for processing. They were issued appearance tickets returnable to the Brunswick Town Court on March 5, 2025, and released.

State Police investigate a serious personal injury collision in the town of Oswegatchie

On February 21, 2025, at approximately 12:08 p.m., State Police responded to a serious personal injury accident on State Highway 68 in the town of Oswegatchie. An investigation revealed that a blue 2019 Ford F-150, operated by 58-year-old Deuard D. Vanornum from Heuvelton, NY, was traveling southeast on State Highway 68 when he exited his lane of travel and entered oncoming traffic. As a result, he struck a red 2011 Town and Country minivan, operated by 35-year-old Airaca J. Gagnon from Ogdensburg, NY, head-on. 

Vanornum and Gagnon were both airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center for further medical evaluation. 

The New York State Police were assisted by Heuvelton Fire and Rescue, Ogdensburg Fire and Rescue, Lisbon Rescue, Morristown Rescue, St. Lawrence County Car 9, and the New York State Department of Transportation. 

This is an ongoing investigation.

Peru juvenile arrested stemming a physical altercation in the town of Plattsburgh

On February 22, 2025, State Police arrested a 16-year-old male from Peru, NY, on charges of third-degree assault, second-degree menacing, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 3:54 p.m., State Police responded to a report of an assault at Smithfield Boulevard, Champlain Centre Mall, in Plattsburgh. An investigation revealed that the 16-year-old and the victim were involved in a physical altercation during which the teen struck the victim in the face multiple times, causing injury to the teeth. During the fight, he brandished a pocket knife and made threatening remarks. After the incident, the 16-year-old fled the scene.

The victim sought medical attention at CVPH for facial injuries and was subsequently released.

The 16-year-old was arrested and taken to SP Plattsburgh for processing but was later released on family court appearance tickets. 

Keeseville female arrested for false written statement

On February 21, 2025, State Police arrested Ziena M. Gagnier, 28, of Keeseville, NY, for filing a false written statement.

At approximately 2:39 p.m. on that day, State Police responded to Route 9 in the town of Ausable following a report of a sexual assault. The investigation revealed that Gagnier had fabricated a claim about being sexually assaulted by a male. The allegation was found to be untrue and did not occur.

Gagnier was arrested and taken to SP Plattsburgh for processing. She was released on an appearance ticket, which is returnable to the Town of Ausable Court for a scheduled date in March.

State Police arrest Staatsburg man on drug charges

On February 22, 2025, State Police arrested Zachary R. Higgins, 34, of Staatsburg, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd and other tickets for vehicle and traffic violations.

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 9:22 p.m., State Police on patrol observed a car in the Stewart’s parking lot on Route 9G in Hyde Park with two occupants slumped over the center console.

While speaking with the driver, identified as Higgins, a white crystalline substance was observed on the center console. Glass pipes, a pair of brass knuckles and a plastic bag with a white substance were also located inside the vehicle.

Higgins was arraigned in Pleasant Valley Town Court and is due to report to Dutchess County Probation on February 24, 2025.