By DIANE VALDEN
9mm handgun recovered from a sewer drain. Photo contributed
HUDSON—Hudson City Police Department received a call from Columbia County 911 reporting a male subject shot himself in the leg and then got into an automobile accident involving a Coarc van, July 20 at 1:06 p.m.
HPD Patrol Units responded immediately to the area of the accident at First and Warren streets. Officer Randy Strattman located a 31-year-old man who was shot in the right upper leg and was bleeding badly.
An off-duty doctor was on scene and assisted the officer with first aide. The officer administered a tourniquet around the subject’s leg to stop the bleeding until Greenport Rescue was able to safely respond. The man was airlifted to Albany Medical Center for emergency medical attention. At this time the man is in stable condition.
Prior to police arrival to the accident scene, witnesses observed the man exit his car after crashing into the Coarc van three different times. Once out of the vehicle, the subject dumped a loaded handgun down the sewer drain. Detective Nicholas Pierro was able to climb in the sewer and recover the 9mm loaded handgun.
It appears at this time from the evidence collected and speaking to witnesses, the man shot himself in the leg on Front Street, then got into his vehicle and caused a car accident just a block away. No other injuries to any other subjects reported.
Police are currently still investigating the incident. Anyone who has any further information to share with the police should contact the Hudson City Police Department, Detective Division at 518-828-3388. Felony charges will be forthcoming.
State Police, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Greenport Rescue, Hudson Fire Department assisted HPD on this investigation.
New Lebanon
A drunk driver with nine passengers, two in the trunk, was stopped in New Lebanon for going over 100 mph.
State Police from the New Lebanon barracks arrested a 16-year-old on four counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated Leandra’s Law, a class E felony, July 23.
While patrolling State Route 20 in the town of New Lebanon, troopers observed a 2019 Honda Civic traveling over 100 mph in a 45 mph zone. Investigation during the traffic stop determined that the driver was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. The vehicle also contained nine juvenile passengers, four of which where under the age of 16.
The driver was issued the appropriate tickets returnable in the town of New Lebanon court and all juveniles were turned over to their responsible guardians.
Craryville
Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf reports that on Tuesday, July 25 at about 3:07 p.m., Deputy Dayna Scott discovered a serious automobile crash, which had just recently occurred on State Route 23, east of the intersection with County Route 7 in the town of Copake. The drivers of both vehicles were transported to the Albany Medical Center for the treatment of their injuries. Craryville and Hillsdale fire companies were on scene assisting as well as the Greenport and Copake Rescue Squads. The State Police Accident Reconstruction Team was contacted to assist with the investigation.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation at this time and more details will be released when they become available.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
State Police change trooper requirements
ALBANY—State Police announced that Governor Kathy Hochul has approved a request from the State Police to raise the maximum age to apply to become a New York State Trooper from 29 to 34.
“This change will allow us to recruit the most diverse and skilled group of candidates possible. There are many qualified candidates from the military or other careers who decide that they want to transition to the State Police, but because of the previous age requirement, some were not eligible. These are individuals that have a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the job. The New York State Police has a proud tradition of excellence. By raising the age, we are ensuring that we have the best and most qualified candidates possible to carry on that legacy, and serve and protect the people of New York,” Acting New York State Police Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said in a press release.
Candidates can learn about becoming a New York State Trooper and sign up to take the exam at joinstatepolice.ny.gov.
The next Trooper Entrance exam will be held simultaneously with the application process now through September, and will be administered online at authorized testing centers to make the exam more accessible. Individuals can apply now and can schedule a time to take the exam.
The State Police has contracted with Pearson VUE, which will offer the Trooper Entrance Exam at 54 testing centers in New York State, more than 280 locations in the United States, and 100 military locations around the world. Candidates can choose where and when they take the exam. The online testing process makes it more convenient and accessible for anyone interested in becoming a trooper.
A study guide for the exam is available at: https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/10/study-guide-practice-test-for-the-nysp-trooper-examination-updated-for-pv-testing.pdf
Minimum exam qualifications are: U.S. citizen; 20 to 34 years of age (the maximum age may be extended one year for each year of full-time active military duty—up to a maximum of 7 years); high school diploma or equivalent.
Additional requirements can be found at: https://joinstatepolice.ny.gov/qualifications
Salary and benefits: starting salary $59,612; after one year $84,331; full benefits and retirement.
State Police redesigned its recruitment program to reach more potential female and minority candidates. This includes meeting with leaders in communities that are underrepresented within law enforcement, with the goal of building positive long-term relationships. The State Police has also taken the 30X30 pledge and is committed to increasing its percentage of female recruits to 30% by 2030. The agency has recruitment teams in each troop to network at events and within neighborhoods.
