Seeking public assistance in missing person
On January 18, 2025, Troopers out of SP Lockport responded in the area of Rapids Road for a missing female. Troopers are seeking public assistance in locating Danielle L. Hart, 44 of Lockport, NY last scene on January 17, 2025 in the area of Transit and Robinson Road. Hart is 5 foot, 6 inches, blue eyes, blonde hair and weights 115-120 lbs.
If you have any information, contact the NYSP at 585-344-6200
Refer to incident number NY2500046290
Contact Troop A Public Information Officer: Trooper James O’Callaghan
james.ocallaghan@troopers.ny.gov
NYSP investigates three vehicle crash in Otsego county
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 3:50 p.m., New York State Police responded to a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 7 and County Highway 9 in the town of Oneonta.
The investigation is on-going.
Domestic dispute in the village of Brushton leads to arrest
On January 20, 2025, State Police members arrested Joshua P. Villnave, age 39, of Brushton, NY, for criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, aggravated family offense, criminal mischief 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, (2 counts) menacing 2nd, assault 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child.
On January 20, 2025, at approximately 10:52 p.m., Troopers responded to Washington Street in the village of Brushton for a report of a physical domestic dispute. An investigation determined Villnave, and the victim were involved in a verbal argument which later turned physical, while a child was present in the residence. During the altercation, Villnave struck the victim in the face and presented a knife, making threatening remarks towards the victim. Further investigation determined there is an order of protection in place protecting the victim from Villnave.
Villnave was arrested and transported to Malone for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Moira Court, where he was remanded to Franklin County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.
Brasher Falls male arrested for DWI
On January 21, 2025, State Police members arrested Scott W. Stevens, age 55, of Brasher Falls, NY, for driving while intoxicated, and issued vehicle and traffic tickets.
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Troopers observed a 2007 Chevrolet traveling west on County Route 38 in the town of Brasher violate a vehicle and traffic law. Troopers initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the driver, who was identified as Stevens. While interviewing Stevens, he was showing signs of impairment. Troopers administered SFSTs which Stevens failed.
Stevens was arrested and transported to SP Massena for processing where he provided a breath sample of .13% BAC. He was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Brasher Court for a later date in February.
Man arrested on Drug Possession Charges in the Village of Catskill
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 4:31 p.m., members of Troop F Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) observed a 2015 Nissan Altima operating in violation of several New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws on Main St in the village of Catskill, NY.
Troopers initiated a traffic stop and interviewed the operator and sole occupant of the vehicle identified as Michael Hurst, age 39, of Catskill, NY. As the investigation progressed, Hurst fled on foot. A brief foot pursuit ensued, and troopers successfully apprehended Hurst shortly thereafter. Upon arrest, Hurst was found to be in possession of approximately 28.5 grams of Crack and Cocaine bags.
Michael Hurst has been charged with the following:
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree (B felony)
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Degree Narcotic Drug Intent to Sell (B felony)
Tampering with Physical Evidence (E felony)
Criminal using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd Degree (A Misdemeanor)
Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor)
Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd Degree (A Misdemeanor)
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs 1st offense (Misdemeanor)
Multiple Uniform Traffic Tickets
Hurst was arraigned at the Town of Catskill Court and released on his own recognizance, with a pending future court date for criminal proceedings.
State Police in Horseheads arrest an Elmira Heights resident for possession of child abuse material
On March 14, 2023, the New York State Police in Horseheads received a Cyber Tipline from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reporting the possession of child abuse material.
Subsequent to an investigation, it was determined that Nikkia O. Billiot, age 21, of Elmira Heights, NY, possessed files of child sexual abuse materials.
After several months of investigation, on January 21, 2025, Billiot was arrested for Possessing Sexual Performance By a Child less than 16:Possess/Access To View (E Felony). He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Elmira Heights Village Court on February 12, 2025.
New York State Police Arrest a Van Etten Man After a Pursuit
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 3:21 p.m., New York State Police arrest an individual following a vehicle pursuit and investigation in the town of Van Etten.
While patrolling the area of Hulbert Hollow Road, a trooper observed a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, parked and running at a residence on 454 Hulbert Hollow Road. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he observed two male occupants. The driver was seen smoking from a glass pipe.
Upon attempting to make contact, the driver fled in the vehicle, initiating a pursuit. After several miles, the occupants abandoned the truck in a field and fled on foot. Both were apprehended a short time later.The driver, identified as Nathan R. Nehrbass, age 43, of Elmira, NY, was found to possess plastic knuckles. Nehrbass failed the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) and was subsequently arrested. The passenger was a 17-year-old male and was released to a guardian.
Nehrbass was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st (E Felony), Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (A Misdemeanor), Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (DWAI-Drugs), and several traffic infractions. Nehrbass was arraigned in the Van Etten Town Court and was remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail.
New York State Police Arrest Van Etten Man for Drug Possession and Weapons Charges
On January 21, 2025, at approximately 5:12 p.m., New York State Police in Horseheads arrested a Van Etten man following a traffic stop on Main Street near Lewis Street in the town of Van Etten.
A traffic stop was conducted on a 2005 Ford sedan for a traffic violation. Upon stopping the vehicle, the trooper identified the driver as Robert J. Durfey, age 49, of Van Etten, NY, who had a revoked New York State driver’s license.
Subsequent to an investigation, Durfey was found to be in possession of suspected crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and four extended ammunition feeding devices.
Durfey was taken into custody without incident and transported to SP Horseheads for processing. Durfey was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th (C Felony), four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 3rd (Unclassified Misdemeanor), and a traffic infraction.
Durfey was arraigned in the Town of Van Etten Court and was remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail.
State Police are seeking public assistance with a larceny case in Watertown
State Police in Watertown are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this individual regarding a larceny that occurred on November 14, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m., at Best Buy in Salmon Run Mall in Watertown, NY.
Anyone who recognizes the individual in the photo is asked to contact State Police at (315) 366-6000 and reference case #NY2400897759.
Youth Support Specialist Arrested for Third-Degree Rape
The New York State Police in SP Rochester have arrested Jerica J. Costich, age 35, of Rochester, on charges of Rape 3rd (E Felony) following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old detainee at the Industry Residential Center.
An investigation revealed that Costich, a Youth Support Specialist, engaged in sexual activity with the victim within the facility.
Costich was processed at SP Rochester, and Costich was transported to Rush Town Court for arraignment and released on her own recognizance. Judge Ryan Lang issued an order of protection, and Costich is expected to reappear on February 2, 2025.
