Animal Cruelty case leads to an arrest in the village of Champlain

On January 15, 2025, at approximately 3:35 p.m., State Police members responded to State Route 9 in the village of Champlain for an animal cruelty complaint. An investigation determined Sandra B. Barber, age 34, of Champlain, NY, was not properly taking care of the cats inside her residence. While Troopers were investigating, Tracey L. Duprey, age 53, of Champlain, NY, interfered with the investigation and took the cats, refusing to cooperate with the Troopers.

Duprey was arrested and transported to SP Champlain for processing on January 19, 2025. Duprey was charged with obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. She was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Champlain Court for a later date in February.

Barber was arrested and transported to SP Champlain for processing on January 23, 2025. Barber was charged with (2 counts) torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide sustenance. She was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Champlain Court for a later date in February.

Saranac male arrested after falsely pulling a fire alarm

On January 23, 2025, State Police members arrested Shawn L. Gushlaw, age 47, of Saranac, NY, for falsely reporting a fire, explosion, or hazardous substance to an official 2nd.

On December 3, 2024, at approximately 9:46 a.m., Troopers responded to Dormitory Drive in the town of Plattsburgh for an individual who pulled a fire alarm. An investigation determined that Gushlaw intentionally pulled the fire alarm when there wasn’t an emergency or a fire and fled the scene.

Gushlaw was located, arrested, and processed at SP Dannemora. He was released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Plattsburgh Court for a later date in March.

State Police investigate one-car fatal in the town of Plattsburgh

On January 25, 2025, at approximately 9:53 a.m., State Police members responded to State Route 9 in the town of Plattsburgh for a one-car fatal collision. An investigation determined a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, operated by Geoffrey M. Spear, age 63, of Peru, NY, was traveling north on State Route 9 when he lost control of the vehicle due to a medical event. Spear exits the roadway off the east shoulder, striking a telephone and later striking a tree. Troopers and local EMS attempted life-saving measures. Clinton County Deputy Coroner arrived and pronounced Spear’s deceased on the scene. 
 

This is an ongoing investigation.

State Police investigate shots fired complaint in Clay

On January 26, 2024, at about 6:50 p.m., New York State Police responded to 8400 Stearns Road (Meltzer Park) in the town of Clay for a report of shots fired.

A preliminary investigation revealed a passerby heard gunshots around the area of Meltzer Park and called 911. The passerby saw an unknown vehicle make and model leave the area towards Route 31 at a high rate of speed. 

Troopers responded to the scene and located multiple brass casings in the parking lot of Meltzer Park. 

At this time, there are no reports or evidence of anyone injured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact SP Oneida at 315-366-6000 and reference case #NY2500071394.

The investigation is ongoing. All updates will be available on the NYSP Newsroom.