Wrong Way Driver charged with DWI and Reckless Endangerment

On February 2nd, 2025, at approximately 4:44 am, the New York State Police (NYSP) responded to the eastbound Southern State Parkway in the area of exit 32, in the Town of Oyster Bay, for reports of a wrong way driver. Upon the Troopers arrival, they observed a red 2016 red Nissan driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of traffic. The red Nissan struck a Gray 2020 Toyota in the center lane near exit 20S (Baldwin Rd). Both vehicles contained a driver and one passenger. The occupants in the gray Toyota were extricated from their vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The wrong way driver was identified as Giovannie Merisier, age 43 of West Babylon, NY. Merisier was charged with DWI and Reckless Endangerment 2nd.

This crash is under investigation and the NYSP is asking for witnesses or anyone with information to call (631) 756-3300.

All further updates will be posted on the NYSP Newsroom.

State Police investigate a fatal snowmobile accident in the town of Harrietstown

On February 1, 2025, at approximately 2:07 p.m., State Police members responded to the Rail Trails near the area of McMaster Road and McCauley Pond in the town of Harrietstown for a serious personal injury snowmobile accident.  An investigation determined a 2024 Polaris 650, operated by Steven J. Fernandez, age 39, of Saddlebrook, NJ, was traveling west on the trails, lost control, exited the trail, and traversed down a steep embankment, striking multiple trees.  When the Troopers arrived on the scene, Saranac Lake Fire and Rescue were rendering aid to Fernandez.  Fernandez was airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

State Police are seeking public assistance with a grand larceny case in Watertown

State Police in Watertown are seeking assistance identifying a female suspect who was captured on surveillance camera at Watertown Walmart on State Route 3, stealing a purse and cell phone left unattended in a shopping cart.

The suspect allegedly took the credit cards inside the purse and made numerous purchases at Victoria’s Secret at Salmon Run Mall and Sunoco Gas Station in Adams Center.

Anyone who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and reference case #NY2500007653.

State Police arrest Troy man following road rage incident in Watervliet where a gun was displayed

On January 23, 2025, State Police of Latham arrested Felipe Hernandez Mercado, 54, of Troy, NY, for Menacing in the second degree and Reckless Endangerment in the second degree.

On January 12, 2025, Troopers responded to the area of I-787 in Watervliet, NY for the report of an individual displaying a handgun. The investigation determined Hernandez Mercado allegedly displayed a handgun during a road rage incident. The firearm displayed was legally owned by Hernandez Mercado, and it has been seized.

Hernandez Mercado surrendered himself to SP Latham, where he was arrested and processed. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Watervliet City Court on February 4, 2025, and released.

Tioga County man arrested after stabbing victim

On February 1, 2025, at approximately 10:07 p.m., New York State Police at Owego and Tioga County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched by the Tioga 911 Center to 1498 Halsey Valley Road in the town of Tioga for dispute that resulted in a stabbing.  A male victim was located on Gilkie Hill Road with an apparent stab wound to the abdomen. A Trooper rendered aid on scene until EMT’s arrived.  The victim was transported by Tioga Center EMS to Robert Packer Hospital to be treated for his injuries, he is expected to survive.

At about the same time, Tioga County Deputies and a Trooper responded to the scene on Halsey Valley Road and detained Izac J. Hammond, age 25 of Spencer, NY.  Hammond was transported to SP Owego where he was ultimately arrested and charged (on February 2) with Assault in the second degree, a class “D” felony.

A further investigation revealed that Hammond had been involved in a domestic with a different victim at the same address just prior to the stabbing.  Hammond is accused of getting into a physical altercation with a female victim and prevented the victim from leaving the residence while in the presence of a child. Hammond was additionally charged with the misdemeanors of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Criminal Mischief in the fourth degree.

Hammond was processed and then transported to the Tioga County Correctional Facility for Centralized Arraignment where he was remanded to the Jail on $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.

Troopers assist at fatal Apalachin fire

On January 29, 2025, at approximately 1:02 a.m., New York State Police at Owego were dispatched by the Tioga County 911 Center to 457 Main Street in Apalachin to assist with a structure fire with an entrapment.  

Troopers and members of the Apalachin EMS attempted to enter the home and remove the occupant but were unsuccessful.  The victim was located by members of the Fire Department and was transported by Apalachin EMS to UHS Wilson Medical Center where she later succumbed to her injuries.  

The victim is identified as Patricia Pendergast, age 85.  

Also assisting on scene were the Tioga County Sheriff’s Department, Campville Fire Department, Owego Fire Department, Owego EMS, Tioga Cunty Office of Emergency Services and the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team.

State Police Investigate Fatal Charlton Crash

On February 3, 2025, State Police of Saratoga responded to the reported a two-vehicle crash on State Route 67 in Charlton, NY.

On February 3, 2025, at about 12:44 p.m., Troopers responded to the reports of a crash at the intersection of State Route 67 and West Line Road in Chalton, NY.  The investigation determined a tractor-trailer collided with a pickup truck.  The driver of the pickup truck had been ejected from the vehicle,  sustained severe injuries,  and was declared deceased at the scene.

State Route 67 was closed for approximately four hours between Jolly Road and Morrow Road for the investigation and collision reconstruction but has been reopened. 

 The investigation is ongoing, and the name of the deceased will not be released at this time.

Naples School Bus Driver Arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds

On February 3, 2025, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Canandaigua arrested 57-year-old David L. Ferry of Naples, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds (E Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor).  

Troopers received a complaint-in-progress that Ferry had just purchased a .22 caliber rifle and was observed driving away in a Naples School Bus upon leaving the retail store.  Ontario County Sheriff’s Office Deputies found the bus on State Route 247 in the town of Gorham and conducted a traffic stop upon request of the State Police.  Deputies and Troopers discovered the bus was occupied by 12 students. The rifle was secured under a seat in the original package, and there was no ammunition.  Naples Central School officials were notified and responded to the scene.

There is no indication that Ferry purchased the rifle with the intent of carrying out school violence, and there are no credible threats to Naples Central School, its students, or staff.

Ferry was processed at SP Canandaigua and issued appearance tickets for the Gorham Town Court on February 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.