By DIANE VALDEN
NEW LEBANON—State Police responded to the Lebanon Valley Speedway for a fatal crash, July 7 at 12:30 p.m.
During a Top Sportsman National Hot Road Association (NHRA) event, a sanctioned drag race, William “Bill” E. Janke, 57, of Newburgh lost control of his vehicle for unknown reasons, then struck and flipped over the wall.
State Police report that Mr. Janke was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical service personnel.
An NHRA Facebook post says:
“The racing community faces another devastating blow as William ‘Bill’ Janke tragically passed away in a horrifying wreck … Known for his passion and dedication to the sport, Janke’s accident has sent shockwaves through the NHRA family and beyond…
“The severity of the accident highlighted the inherent risks and dangers that racers face every time they get behind the wheel. Despite safety measures, the unpredictable nature of high-speed racing can lead to tragic outcomes.
“The racing community has rallied around Janke’s family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. Tributes have poured in from across the globe, honoring Janke’s memory and celebrating his contributions to the sport he loved.”
State Police say the investigation into the cause of the crash is continuing.
Taghkanic
The State Police Community Stabilization Unit arrested two people for possession of a large quantity of narcotics in Taghkanic, July 2.
At 7:20 p.m., troopers conducted a vehicle stop on a 2017 Ford Escape northbound on the Taconic State Parkway for violations of the vehicle and traffic law. An investigation determined the operator, Krista A. Chadwell, 37, and passenger, Jerome Grandson, 36, both of Pittsfield, MA, were in possession of approximately 28.4 grams of cocaine, 9.1 grams of heroin, and more than $2,300 in U.S. currency.
Both suspects were arrested for third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, both class B felonies; fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony; tampering with physical evidence, a class E felony, and second degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.
They were arraigned in Claverack Town Court and released on their own recognizance to reappear before the Taghkanic Court at a future date.
Hudson
State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Tara Tomlin, 29, of Elizaville for second degree aggravated harassment and fourth degree stalking, both a class A misdemeanors, June 25.
An investigation determined Ms. Tomlin allegedly contacted the past and current employer of the victim to make false allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior.
Ms. Tomlin was arraigned in Hudson City Court and released on her own recognizance to reappear at a later date.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Teen pleads not guilty in arson/murder case
HUDSON—The teenage girl charged in the arson/murder of a Livingston man pleaded not guilty during an appearance in Columbia County Court July 8 according to a WTEN television news report.
Edmund W. Metz, 58, of Livingston was killed in a fire police say was deliberately set in his house shortly after 1 p.m. Friday, June 7.
A 15-year-old female of Hudson was arrested a short time later for allegedly starting the blaze that killed Mr. Metz. She was not identified due to her age, but WTEN reported that Mr. Metz was her father.
She was charged with second degree murder (depraved indifference to human life) and first degree arson, both class A-1 felonies.
Following arraignment July 8, she was sent back to the Columbia County Jail without bail.
She is to reappear at a later date.
The Columbia County District Attorney’s Office declined to provide any information about the court appearance.
Columbia County 911 initially dispatched Livingston firefighters and Northern Dutchess Paramedics to the scene of a house fire at 2879 Route 9, near the intersection of Cold Spring Road June 7 at 1:11 p.m.
The initial report indicated two people (the victim and the suspect) were trapped inside, according to State Police Troop K Public Information Officer Aaron J. Hicks.
WNYT.com reported that Livingston Fire Chief Paul Jahns said there was heavy fire at the structure, which was a secondary residence on the property that was being rented out. The fire was extinguished in about 15 minutes. One male, Mr. Metz was found dead inside. Trooper Hicks said that the fire prevented Mr. Metz from escaping and he died as a result of the fire.
The owners of the property, who live in the main house on the same parcel, were home at the time of the fire, according to WTEN. They said that Mr. Metz rented the house for years and lived there alone.
The fire gutted the small gray house, which is still standing, encircled by yellow crime scene tape.
Police said at the time they had not yet determined a motive, saying it remained under investigation.
Mr. Metz was a technician and mechanic at the Fort Orange Paper Company, according to his obituary.—Diane Valden
