State Police arrest two men for gun possession on Interstate 87 in the town of Tuxedo
On February 22, 2025, Troopers from SP Tarrytown (Troop T), arrested a Bronx and Utica man for gun possession on Interstate 87 in the Town of Tuxedo.
At approximately 4:00 pm, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a 2023 gray Honda sedan for violations of the vehicle and traffic law on the New York State Thruway. Investigation determined the operator identified as, Jamar Mikel Sanders, age 20, and passenger Zaquan Clark, age 28, was in possession of a loaded Taurus G2.
Both were arrested and charged with violating sections 265.01-B (Criminal Possession of A Firearm) a class E felony and 265.03 sub 3 (Criminal Possession of Weapon 2nd, Loaded Firearm) a class C felony of the penal law.
The suspects were arraigned before the Honorable Judge Keith Garley as part of the Orange County centralized arraignment agreement in Goshen New York. Bail was set for Sanders at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond and $20,000 partially secured bond. Clark was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail due to prior convictions. They are scheduled to reappear on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM before the Town of Tuxedo Court.
*UPDATE* State Police investigation fatal Hoosick collision
UPDATE February 26, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
The pedestrian who died has been identified as Joshua Z. Cannon, 34, from Hoosick Falls, NY. The investigation into the collision is still ongoing.
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UPDATE February 25, 2025 at 10:25 a.m.
State Route 67 has been reopened.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Original Posted February 25, 2025 at 9:08 a.m.
On February 25, 2025, State Police of Brunswick responded to the reports of a vehicle collision with a pedestrian.
On February 25, 2025, at about 3:40 a.m. Troopers responded to the reports of an individual struck by a vehicle. The investigation determined that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on State Route 67 when a pedestrian entered the roadway into the vehicle’s path. The vehicle struck the pedestrian, who sustained severe injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle stopped immediately and called for emergency services.
The name of the deceased will not be released at this time, as notifications are pending.
The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and the vehicle’s driver is cooperative. State Route 67 remains closed from State Route 22 and Cottrell Road for the investigation and collision reconstruction.
State Police Arrest Individual for Swatting Hoax in Westchester County
The New York State Police have arrested an individual in connection with a swatting incident that led to an emergency response at a residence in Amawalk, NY.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 11:12 AM, Troopers and Investigators from SP Somers Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) responded to a report of a violent assault in progress at a residence on Chalmers Boulevard. The caller, an unknown female, reported, “My neighbor is assaulting his wife, and her head is cracked open.” Shortly after, the caller provided conflicting information about their identity and location, first claiming to be from Maryland, then correcting themselves to Poughkeepsie, NY, while stating they were traveling on Interstate 684.
Upon arrival, troopers quickly determined that the call was a hoax. Further investigation revealed that a similar false report had been made earlier that day regarding the complainant’s son at his residence in Pawling, NY, using the same language. The son identified a former high school classmate, Mikel Kolaj, age 31, of Mahopac, NY, as a potential suspect, citing prior threats against his brother’s girlfriend and a swatting incident on New Year’s Day.
Investigators learned that Kolaj was also the subject of an ongoing criminal case with the Eastchester Police Department for a similar swatting incident. Upon locating Kolaj, he provided a full confession, admitting to making multiple swatting calls in the past, including this one. He stated that his first swatting incident had occurred at the beginning of the year and targeted the same family.
Kolaj was taken into custody and transported to SP Somers for further investigation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with (3) counts of Falsely Reporting a Crime (Class A Misdemeanor).
Kolaj also admitted to previous swatting incidents, including two within the Eastchester Police Department’s jurisdiction. Per the District Attorney’s Office, he was released on his own recognizance, and an Order of Protection was issued for the victim/complainant in this case.
Swatting is a dangerous criminal act that diverts emergency resources and places individuals at risk. The New York State Police take these incidents seriously and will continue to investigate and arrest those responsible.
Woman arrested for DWI after collision with a deer and utility pole
On February 24, 2025, Troopers out of SP Batavia arrested Eirene M. Thompson, 44 of Churchville, NY for Driving While Intoxicated- BAC > 0.08 and other vehicle and traffic infractions.
On February 24, 2025, at 2:22 A.M., Troopers responded to Townline Road in the town of Byron for a car deer collision. Investigation determined that the 2025 Chevrolet was traveling on Townline Road, and a deer entered the roadway. The vehicle struck the deer and continued off the roadway striking a utility pole. While interviewing Thompson, an odor of alcoholic beverage was present. Thompson was placed under arrest after failing multiple SFSTs and transported to SP Batavia for processing. Thompson refused to give a chemical test.
Thompson was issued traffic tickets returnable to the town of Byron Court for a later date in April 2025.
Two individuals arrested for Robbery 2nd in the town of Ausable
February 23, 2025, State Police arrested Ryan E. Lawrence, 31, of Lake Placid, NY, for second-degree robbery involving a motor vehicle.
On February 24, 2025, State Police arrested Jennifer M. Ashton, 36, of Plattsburgh, NY, for second-degree robbery involving a motor vehicle.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 6:45 a.m., State Police responded to a larceny complaint regarding a vehicle on Hibernia Road in the town of Ausable. During the investigation, it was determined that Ashton, Lawrence, and the victim were driving around in the victim’s vehicle—a 2020 green Hyundai Venue. Ashton was driving, Lawrence was in the front passenger seat, and the victim was in the back seat. At an unknown location, Ashton stopped the vehicle, and Lawrence exited forcefully, removing the victim from the car. Once the victim was out, Ashton and Lawrence stole the vehicle and left the victim behind.
The victim then went to the nearest residence to call law enforcement for assistance.
On February 22, 2025, Troopers found the victim’s vehicle abandoned on Guide Board Road in the town of Schuyler Falls. The vehicle was secured and brought to State Police Plattsburgh.
On February 23, 2025, Troopers located Lawrence, who was subsequently arrested and processed at the State Police Barracks in Plattsburgh. He was arraigned in the Town of Peru Court and remanded to Clinton County Jail without bail.
On February 24, 2024, Troopers found Ashton, and she was arrested and processed at the State Police Barracks in Plattsburgh. She was arraigned in the Town of Ausable Court and was released on her own recognizance.
State Police continue to investigate incident at Collins Correctional Facility
The New York State Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding an incident that occurred on February 12, 2025, at Collins Correctional Facility in Collins, Erie County.
On February 12, 2025, the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported that corrections officers exited three dorms at the facility due to potential threats involving incarcerated individuals. The incident was peacefully resolved later that day and staff returned to the dorms.
The Troop A Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation and is working with the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations to review evidence, including body-worn camera footage. This investigation is ongoing and further details are not available.
Notable DWI Arrest Troop F: February13-February 20, 2025
On February 13, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., troopers from State Police Catskill observed a 2021 Chevrolet pickup truck on Spring Street in the village of Catskill in violation of multiple New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws. Troopers initiated a stop of the vehicle and interviewed the driver and sole occupant as Edwin Calderon Amaya, age 32, of Brooklyn, NY. As a result of the investigation Calderon Amaya was subsequently arrested for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated along with other Vehicle and Traffic law violations. Calderon Amaya was transported to State Police Catskill for processing, where he recorded a BAC of .18%. Calderon Amaya was released with an appearance ticket to the Town of Catskill Court for March 13, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
On February 14, 2025, at approximately 5:06 a.m., Troopers from State Police Highland responded to a one car motor vehicle collision on Jenkinstown rd Road in the town of Gardiner. The investigation indicated that a 2015 Ford Explorer was traveling east on Jenkinstown Road when it exited the roadway for unknown reasons and subsequently struck a ditch. The driver identified as Lorenzo E. Melendez, age 26, of Gardiner, NY, arrested for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, along with additional Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Melendez was transported to State Police Highland for processing, where he recorded a BAC of 0.24%. The driver was released with an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town Gardiner Court on March 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
On February 15, 2025, at approximately 2:42 a.m., troopers from State Police Haverstraw observed a 2021 Toyota Rav 4 operating on Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP) in the town of Ramapo in violation to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. The operator and sole occupant identified as Ramon A. Sanchez, age 46, of Pomona, NY, was interviewed. While investigating, it was determined that Sanchez was impaired, and he was subsequently arrested for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated. Sanchez was transported to State Police Haverstraw for processing where he recorded a BAC of .24%. Sanchez was release with an appearance ticket to the Town of Ramapo Court on March 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 4:07 a.m., Troopers from State Police Haverstraw responded to a one-car motor vehicle collision on the Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP) northbound, between exit 13 and 14, in the town of Haverstraw. The preliminary investigation indicated that a 2018 Toyota, operated by as Steven Beleno, age 26, of Blooming Grove, NY, was traveling northbound on the Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP) when he lost control after another vehicle allegedly cut him off. The Toyota exited the roadway and travelled down an embankment. Beleno was evaluated by emergency medical services (EMS) and transported to Nyack Hospital. During the investigation, Beleno displayed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Aggravated unlicensed Operation 1st Commit Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd Alcohol or Drug (E felony). Beleno was uncooperative with the investigation and refused to provide a sample to determine his blood alcohol content (BAC). Beleno was turned over to Nyack Hospital for medical care and will be required to report to the State Police Haverstraw barracks at a later time for processing.
On February 20, 2025, at approximately 12:52 a.m., Troopers from State Police Catskill responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of State Route 385 in the town of Catskill. Troopers observed a 2017 Buick running and parked in the north bound lane. Troopers approached the vehicle and conducted an interview of the driver identified as Kenneth Gorman, age 40, of Hudson, NY. Gorman was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Previous Conviction Of Designated Offense Within 10 Years (E felony) and Operate Motor Vehicle .08% of 1 % Or More Alcohol Prior Conviction Designated Offense Within 10 Years (E felony), along with additional Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Gorman was transported to State Police Catskill for processing, where he recorded a BAC of 0.17%. The driver was released with an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Catskill Court on March 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. He was later turned over to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson for further care.
State Police Charge Philmont Residents for Stealing from Elderly Victim
On February 25, 2025, investigators from SP Livingston arrested two people for stealing more than $2,220 from an elderly victim’s bank account and $690 in food stamp benefits.
An investigation determined that Samantha Mowris, age 46, of Philmont NY, was working as a home health aide for the victim. After the victim was placed into a nursing home in September of 2024, Mowris fraudulently wrote a series of checks on the victim’s bank account also used the victim’s food stamp card to purchase $690 worth of items at various stores.
The investigation also found that Christopher Nardone, age 43, of Philmont, NY, cashed forged checks from the victim’s bank account.
Mowris is charged with:
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- Grand Larceny 3rd degree
- Burglary 2nd degree
- Petit Larceny (2 counts)
- Possession Forged Instrument 2nd degree (5 counts)
- Falsify Business Records 1st degree
- Identity Theft 2nd degree
- Conspiracy 5th degree
- Grand Larceny 4th degree
Nardone is charged with:
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- Petit Larceny
- Possession Forged Instrument 2nd (3 counts)
- Conspiracy 5th
Mowris and Nardone were arraigned in Greenport town court and are due back in court on March 17.
State Police are investigating a barricaded subject in the town of Norfolk
Update:
On February 26, 2025, members of the State Police and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) worked together to take Scott P. Sharpe, age 54, of Massena, NY, into custody without incident. Sharpe was then taken to Claxton Hepburn Medical Center for a mental health evaluation.
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On February 25, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., State Police members responded to Brouse Road in the town of Norfolk to investigate a possible domestic dispute. Upon their arrival, the suspect became barricaded inside the residence. State Police members established a secure perimeter around the house.
The New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT) was deployed to assist at the scene.
State Police are utilizing the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
The situation is under control, and there is no threat to the public.
This is an ongoing investigation, and negotiations are currently taking place.
