By DIANE VALDEN
HUDSON—Hudson Police arrested Matthew J. McNamara, 31, of Walden (Orange County) for: second degree burglary, a class C felony; third degree assault; fourth degree criminal mischief and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all class A misdemeanors, September 30.
On that date at 10:02 p.m., police received a 911 call from the Greene County 911 center informing them a caller had just reported some kind of altercation in the area of 15 South Front Street, Hudson Terrace Apartments (HTA.)
Patrols responded immediately to the area and spoke with the female victim at the scene. She said she was at home in her apartment with her young children and a friend when they heard a knock at the door and the suspect forcibly entered her apartment.
The victim and her family said they had never seen the suspect, later identified as Mr. McNamara, before that night and that he was a complete stranger.
Once inside, he allegedly began smashing property inside the apartment and attacking the victim physically. Mr. McNamara allegedly attempted to drag the woman victim outside. The victim’s 14-year-old son was able to protect his mother and fend off the attacker with a baseball bat, police reported.
The Greenport Rescue took Mr. McNamara to Columbia Memorial Health hospital for treatment of the injuries he sustained. HPD arrested Mr. McNamara after he left the hospital. The victim’s injuries during the attack were non-life-threatening and no medical attention was needed. Detectives also assisted in this felony investigation.
According to police, Mr. McNamara found himself in the City of Hudson after the Amtrak Police removed him from an Amtrak train for being unruly. He was removed from the train about 45 minutes prior to the home invasion incident.
Mr. McNamara was arraigned before Judge Cheryl Roberts in the Hudson City Court. He was sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, $20,000 bond or $20,000 partial security. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for a later date.
Claverack
State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Joshua P. Sickler, 44, of Port Ewen (Ulster County), for second degree unlawful surveillance, a class E felony; unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image, and second degree aggravated harassment, both class A misdemeanors, October 3.
After receiving a complaint, investigators determined Mr. Sickler allegedly disseminated intimate images of the victim.
He was arraigned in Claverack Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail. He was again scheduled to appear before the court at a later date.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of similar crimes committed by Mr. Sickler is asked to contact State Police at 845-677-7300.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Fire department could use more members
KINDERHOOK—Volunteer firefighters are sought.
The Kinderhook Fire Department (KFD) has a long history of providing emergency services and assistance within its fire district and to adjoining communities, according to a press release.
The men and women who respond for KFD take pride in helping their neighbors whenever and wherever support is needed. Fact: Reliance on community fire departments continues to rise, yet the number of responding volunteer firefighters is on the decline. The question remains, “Will we have enough firefighters to handle emergencies when called?” In response, the KFD is sounding a recruitment alarm. Like many fire departments in the Capital District it needs to increase its membership to respond to fire calls and emergencies. As of July 31, the KFD had responded to 63 calls this year.
Membership is made of people who live or work in the Village of Kinderhook Fire District and are willing to join other dedicated men and women volunteer firefighters who serve the community proudly. Join the KFD and receive free training in any of these vital positions: interior structural firefighters, exterior firefighters, fire apparatus drivers, fire police, pump operators, safety officers and many more.
This fall Village of Kinderhook residents will have the opportunity to vote to approve the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) for the firefighters of the Palmer Engine and Hose Company. LOSAP is a plan that offers financial rewards for volunteers based on longevity of service. These benefits are provided when a volunteer reaches retirement age. The Restricted Firefighter Program offers 16- and 17-year-olds in the village an opportunity to serve their community on a limited basis. Additionally, FASNY’s scholarship and college tuition assistance programs are only two of the perks available to Restricted Firefighters.
Those who are at least 16 years of age, a resident of the fire district or work in the village and are interested in serving as a volunteer should contact the Palmer Engine and Hose Company at 518-758-9882.
For more information contact Palmer Engine and Hose Company, 518-758-9220 or kinderhookfiredept@yahoo.com
