State Police in Troop G make notable DWI arrests 3/21 -3/27

On March 21, 2025, at about 2:33 p.m., State Police assigned to the Northway Interstate Patrol stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Malta, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation.  The driver was identified as William F. Scott, 37, of Troy, NY.  Scott was arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.  He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), and a sample was taken to determine the drug content of his blood. Further investigation determined Scott has had a previous DWI conviction in the last ten years. Scott was issued tickets returnable to the Malta Town Court on April 3, 2025, and released.

On March 24, 2025, at about 12:45 p.m., State Police of Brunswick stopped a vehicle on State Route 7 in Brunswick, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver was identified as James S. Hollister, 65, of Hoosick Falls, NY. Hollister was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Brunswick for processing, where he recorded a 0.24% BAC.  Hollister was issued tickets returnable to the Brunswick Town Court on April 9, 2025, and released.

On March 24, 2025, at about 8:41 p.m., State Police of Clifton Park responded to the reports of a disabled vehicle on State Route 146 in Halfmoon, NY. The vehicle was located, and the driver was identified as Anatoly I. Policastro, 28, of Ballston Lake, NY. Policastro was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.  He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing, where he recorded a 0.19% BAC. Policastro was issued tickets returnable to the Halfmoon Town Court on April 9, 2025, and released to a sober third party.

On March 25, 2025, at about 3:12 p.m., State Police of Sand Lake responded to the report of a one-car crash into a utility pole on State Route 20 in Nassau, NY.  The driver was identified as Anthony R. Markou, 58, of Nassau, NY, and during the roadside investigation, he was uncooperative and struck a Trooper. Markou was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Harassment in the second degree, and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.  He was transported to SP Schodack for processing, where he recorded a 0.21% BAC.  Markou was issued tickets returnable to the Nassau Town Court on April 16, 2025, and released. 

On March 25, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m., State Police assigned to the Latham Interstate Patrol stopped a vehicle on Central Avenue in Albany, NY, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver was identified as Manuel Tacuri, 32, of Albany, NY. Tacuri was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.  He was transported to SP Brunswick for processing, where he recorded a 0.19% BAC.  Further investigation discovered that Tacuri has had multiple previous DWI convictions in the last ten years. He was transported to the Albany County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

State Police Investigating Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Jefferson County

Clayton, NY – The New York State Police in Watertown are currently investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on County Route 54 in the town of Clayton, Jefferson County.

On March 27, 2025, at approximately 4:46 p.m., a Toyota Tacoma exited the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a telephone pole. The operator, identified as Marc Bryan Gross, age 45, of Evans Mills, NY, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Live electrical wires from the damaged pole were preventing immediate access to the vehicle. National Grid responded to address the hazard.

No other vehicles were involved, and Mr. Gross was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.

State Police Identify Remains Found in Sullivan County as Missing Man

On March 17, 2025, State Police were alerted to the discovery of severely decomposed human remains located adjacent to a stream off County Route 92 in the town of Roscoe, Sullivan County.

State Police used fingerprints to positively identify the remains as Moses Baptiste, age 43, of Roscoe, NY. An investigation determined that the manner of Baptiste’s death was consistent with a suicide.

Family members had reported Baptiste missing in September of 2024.

State Police, Lewis Co. Sheriff’s Office Arrest Two Juveniles for Burglary Spree

A joint investigation involving the New York State Police BCI at SP Lowville and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the arrest of two juveniles, ages 13 and 15, for a rash of burglaries, including the theft of two handguns and a motor vehicle, that occurred between March 17-19 in the Port Leyden and Lyons Falls areas of Lewis County.

Each of the juveniles faces the following charges:

• • 3 counts of grand larceny 4th degree,  a class E felony
  • 7 counts of petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor
  • 2 counts of burglary 3rd degree, a class D felony
  • 2 counts of criminal possession of stolen property 4th degree, a class E felony
  • 1 count of criminal possession of a weapon 4th degree, a class A misdemeanor

The investigation determined that the juveniles stole items from numerous unlocked cars they entered during the late night and early morning, while the vehicles were parked at residences. They also broke into and stole items from several storage units at Shue Box Storage on State Route 12 in Port Leyden. The juveniles also stole a vehicle from a residence in Port Leyden and were involved in a rollover crash on State Route 12 in Martinsburg. The teens fled the vehicle before troopers arrived.

The teens were issued appearance tickets for family court.

Investigation Underway After Harriman Resident Found Deceased on Silver Maples Drive

On March 30, 2025, at approximately 7:49 a.m., the Village of Harriman Police Department responded to a 911 call at Silver Maples Drive in the village of Harriman. Upon arrival, officers discovered William P. Scheels, age 64, deceased outside of his residence on Silver Maples Drive.

The investigation is currently ongoing, anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (845) 344-5300.

State Police arrest Albany man for possessing Child Pornography

On March 28, 2025, State Police of Latham, with the assistance of the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, arrested Kurt T. Nous, 52, of Albany, 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.

Nous 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 Albany, NY, residence on March 12, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Nous was arrested and processed at SP Latham. He was arraigned at the Albany City Court where he was released to the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department.

Woman arrested for DWI after collision

On March 29, 2025, Troopers out of SP Lockport arrested Lisa R. Chrzanowski, 47 of North Tonawanda, NY for Driving While Intoxicated- BAC > 0.08 % and other vehicle and traffic infractions.

On March 29, 2025, at 4:58 P.M., Troopers responded to a two-vehicle collision on Bear Ridge Road in the town of Pendleton. Investigation determined that a 2025 Lexus operated by Chrzanowski was traveling northeast on Bear Ridge Road and went into the oncoming lane and struck a 2022 Kia. The Kia continued and struck a tree while the Lexus struck additional mailboxes. While interviewing Chrzanowski, an odor of alcoholic beverage was present.  Chrzanowski was placed under arrest after failing multiple SFSTs and transported to SP Lockport for processing.  Chrzanowski recorded a 0.17% BAC.

Chrzanowski was issued traffic tickets returnable to the town of Pendleton Court for a later date in April 2025.

Bloomingdale male arrested for robbery 2nd and grand larceny 4th

On March 29, 2025, State Police members arrested 33-year-old Jeffrey J. Cartier from Bloomingdale, NY, for second-degree robbery involving a motor vehicle and fourth-degree grand larceny.

On March 29, 2025, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of a domestic dispute at Maplefields, located on Route 374 in the town of Dannemora. The investigation revealed that Cartier and the victim were involved in a verbal argument that escalated to a physical altercation. During this incident, Cartier scratched the victim, ripped their shirt, and was ultimately pushed out of the vehicle. Following this, Cartier took possession of a vehicle that did not belong to him and for which he did not have permission.

Cartier was later found still in the vehicle. He was arrested and transported to SP Plattsburgh for processing. After being arraigned in the Town of Dannemora Court, he was released on his own recognizance.

Spring “holiday shoppers” arrested for petit larceny in Lockport

On March 28, 2025, Troopers out of SP Lockport arrested Alisha J. Moore, 37 and Krystain G. Williams, 37 both of Buffalo, NY for Petit Larceny.

On March 28, 2025, at 2:55 P.M., Troopers out of SP Lockport were dispatched to TJ Maxx on South Transit Road in the town of Lockport for a larceny complaint.  Troopers worked with TJ Maxx loss-prevention.  Investigation determined that Moore took $31.18 worth of merchandise and concealed it, passing all points of purchase without paying. Williams did not take any merchandise today, but she did on March 24, 2025, totaling $59.96. Williams also took items totaling $174.89 on March 24, 2025, both open cases are now closed. Both were located driving away from Lockport on Millersport Hwy in Amherst. 

Both were arrested and transported to SP Lockport for processing and issued appearance tickets returnable to the town of Lockport Court for a later date in April 2025.

Walmart “holiday shopper” arrested for petit larceny

On March 28, 2025, Troopers out of SP Clarence arrested Tyonia R. Welch, 25 of Buffalo, NY for Petit Larceny.

On March 28, 2025, at 1:48 P.M., Troopers out of SP Clarence were dispatched to Walmart on Transit Road in the town of Clarence for a larceny complaint. Troopers worked with Walmart loss-prevention.  Investigation determined that Welch took merchandise and concealed it, passing all points of purchase without paying. Welch took $75.99 worth of merchandise. Welch left the store and was in the parking lot. Welch was arrested and transported to SP Clarence for processing.

Welch was issued appearance tickets returnable to the town of Clarence Court for a later date in April 2025.

Hogansburg female arrested for DWI and CPCS 7th

On March 28, 2025, State Police arrested Leighann M. Neff, 43, from Hogansburg, NY. She faced three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, two counts of driving while impaired by drugs, and having a child under 16 years old in the vehicle. She was also issued a vehicle and traffic ticket.

On March 28, 2025, at approximately 2:42 p.m., Troopers responded to a report of an individual appearing to be under the influence at the Massena Port of Entry, located on the International Bridge in the town of Massena. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection was conducting a safety checkpoint when Neff, the driver, and three other passengers approached the checkpoint. During the initial interview, Neff displayed signs of impairment, prompting officials to flag the vehicle for a secondary inspection.

During this secondary interview and search of the vehicle, officers discovered narcotics in Neff’s possession. Troopers arrived on the scene, consulted with the Customs Officer, and proceeded to interview Neff, who continued to show signs of impairment. Troopers administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which Neff failed.

She was then arrested and transported to the SP Massena for processing. Following the procedure, Neff was released on appearance tickets to return to the town of Massena Court at a later date in April.

State Police were assisted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

State Police Apprehend Dangerous Individual Following Pursuit and Attempted Escape in Nassau County

On March 30, 2025, at approximately 11:53 AM, New York State Police were involved in a high-risk pursuit on the Southern State Parkway, Westbound, in the area of Exit 30, in the Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County. The pursuit began after a black 1997 Toyota Camry, operated by Christian Reyes, age 29, of Brentwood, was identified as the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run collision with a 1998 Honda. Following the crash, Reyes fled the scene, prompting an immediate response from State Troopers. Troopers quickly canvassed the area and located the suspect vehicle, initiating a pursuit. Reyes, in an effort to evade capture, continued to flee onto the Belt Parkway, heading toward John F. Kennedy International Airport. During the pursuit, several State Police units attempted to safely apprehend Reyes; however, he continued to endanger public safety by engaging in reckless driving maneuvers. As traffic came to a standstill, Reyes escalated the situation by sideswiping and attempting to back into both police and civilian vehicles. Despite the escalating danger, State Police officers maintained their focus on safely apprehending the suspect. In a final attempt to evade capture, Reyes exited his vehicle and fled on foot. Officers were able to quickly apprehend the dangerous individual, preventing any further threat to the public. Reyes sustained minor injuries during the incident and was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for medical evaluation. 

The actions of the New York State Police were critical in removing this dangerous individual from the streets, preventing potential harm to the public and ensuring that justice was served. The State Police continue to prioritize public safety through swift and decisive action.

Reyes was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired with Drugs, 3 counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd, Reckless Endangerment of Property, Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd, and Resisting Arrest. Reyes was then transported to Nassau County Central Booking and was arraigned at Nassau County District Court on March 30th, 2025.