By DIANE VALDEN
CLAVERACK—State Police are investigating a multiple stabbing incident on State Route 217, March 26.
At 3:30 a.m. that date, State Police responded to reports of a stabbing near 354 Route 217. Upon arrival, troopers, along with Columbia County Sheriff’s deputies, discovered four men with stab wounds.
Victims: James R. Coxon, 35; Kyjuan Hotaling, 21; Oziahj Stroman, 19, all of Hudson, and William M. Metz, 35, of Claverack, were taken to the Albany Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
State Police assure residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety linked to this incident.
State Police Troop K Public Information Officer Trooper Krystal P. Paolicelli said April 1 that the hospital will not release information about the victims’ conditions or whether they are still hospitalized.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more details will be released when available.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact Investigator William Dufresne at 1-845-677-7300.
East Greenbush
State Police arrested a Niverville man for burglary. State Police from Schodack charged Matthew D. Sowycz, 32, of Niverville with two counts of third degree burglary, two counts of first degree identity theft, and two counts of computer trespass, March 27.
On March 26 at about 11 a.m., troopers received a complaint from an East Greenbush business reporting a past burglary. The investigation determined that Mr. Sowycz allegedly entered the business without permission or authorization using identification belonging to an employee on two separate occasions. Mr. Sowycz was previously employed by the business, but not at the time of the alleged crimes. While inside the business, he also allegedly accessed the company’s computers without authorization.
Mr. Sowycz was arrested at his home and taken to SP Schodack for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable in East Greenbush Town Court, April 10 and released.
Green River
A raging blaze in a house on State Route 71, just off State Route 22 in Green River, summoned volunteers from multiple fire companies in Columbia and Berkshire counties.
According to a Columbia County Fire Coordinators Office Facebook post, the past three weeks have been extremely busy and exhausting for firefighter volunteers in Columbia County, and the night of Tuesday, March 25 was no exception.
At 9:45 p.m. that night Columbia County Cars 2, 3 and 4 responded to a multi-alarm fire in the Austerlitz/Spencertown Volunteer Fire Company fire district portion of the Town of Hillsdale. The initial alarm brought mutual aid from the Egremont Fire Department and Hillsdale Fire Company #1. Austerlitz Car 3 requested additional mutual aid from the Chatham Fire Department, Ghent Volunteer Fire Company #1 and the Canaan Protective Fire Company.
Upon arrival command discovered a large two-story wood frame home heavily-involved in fire. “Given the extended response time (due to location) and limited water supply, suppression efforts were hampered,” the post said.
Throughout the night, which required some volunteers to remain on scene for nearly five hours, additional water supply was requested from several other Columbia and Berkshire county departments.
No one was at home at the time the fire broke out and no injuries were reported. The house was destroyed.
Firefighters were assisted by NYSEG, the Copake community Rescue Squad, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
“Large scenes like this can not be effectively managed without the great assistance of Columbia County NY 911 dispatchers,” said the fire coordinator’s post.
The coordinator’s office remained on scene to assist and coordinate all departments involved. “Thank you to these firefighters and all of our volunteers who do this week-in and week-out to help our communities!”
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Schoenborn joins CGHS/SPCA cruelty investigation team
CLAVERACK—The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA welcomes Investigator Donald Schoenborn to its cruelty investigation team. Investigator Schoenborn brings more than two decades of law enforcement experience, having recently retired from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office after 21 years of service—including four years as an investigator.
“Investigator Schoenborn had a distinguished career with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, and we’re honored to have him join our investigative team. His experience and talent will undoubtedly help hundreds of animals who are victims of cruelty and neglect,” CGHS/SPCA President/CEO and Peace Officer/Cruelty Investigator Ron Perez said in a press release.
CGHS/SPCA works in partnership with law enforcement agencies to investigate and respond to reports of animal cruelty. Each year, the CGHS/SPCA cruelty investigation team assists with more than 200 complaints, including animal cruelty seizures, rehabilitation, and the rehoming of rescued animals.
Motorists given tips to prepare for spring driving season
ALBANY—The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today offer tips to help New Yorkers prepare to transition to spring weather driving and road conditions.
“Warmer temperatures are a great cure for cabin fever brought on by a harsh winter, like the one we had this year in New York. A lot of New Yorkers will be anxious to hit the road and shake their winter blues. By making sure your vehicle is ready for the season and adopting a few simple practices, you will help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the roads,” Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said in a press release.
Before driving, the DMV and GTSC recommend these tips:
*Check and rotate your tires. Tires are a critical component of your car handling, fuel efficiency and safety. Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, and as the weather warms up, it’s essential to check and adjust the pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Inspect tire tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires
*Prepare to change out your snow tires. State law allows the use of snow tires from October 16 through April 30
*Inspect and/or replace wiper blades. Windshield wiper blades wear during snowy, slushy and icy months. It’s important that your wiper blades work well so you can always see the roadway
*Top up fluids. While the car is cool, check the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission and engine coolant levels
*Replace air filters. Pollen, dust and other allergens surge in spring, making it an excellent time to check and replace air filters. A fresh cabin air filter improves air quality inside your vehicle, while a clean engine air filter ensures optimal fuel efficiency and performance
*Update your vehicle emergency kit. In addition to a first-aid kit, jumper cables and a tire repair kit, it’s important to stock your car with warmer weather supplies, such as bottled water, sunscreen and a flashlight with fresh batteries
*Test your car battery. Car batteries work harder to power vehicles during the winter months. The best way for your car battery to maintain or regain its charge is to take longer drives, lasting around 30 minutes, on a regular basis
*Clean and tighten the battery terminals to ensure they are free of any corrosion and have your battery load tested to ensure it’s working properly
*Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival.
When ready to drive, follow these tips:
*Warm up the car. While spring brings higher temperatures, there may still be frost on your vehicle in the morning. Be sure to clear all the windows before leaving home
*Slow down on wet roads. Slick doesn’t always mean icy. Rain can cause oil to lift to the surface of the roadway, making for slippery conditions. Adjust your speed to accommodate road and weather conditions and leave more following distance between you and other vehicles
*Turn on headlights whenever windshield wipers are on. New York State law makes this mandatory
*Be aware of potential road hazards. Winter weather and plowing can cause potholes on the roads. Additionally, spring storms can cause mud, branches and leaves to wash onto the road. Slow down and when possible, swerve to avoid them
*Share the road. Warmer weather and additional daylight hours brings out bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians
*Use caution when backing up. Before you back out of a driveway or parking spot, double check for children running and playing. When using a backup camera, remember that kids, pets, and objects may be out of view but still in the path of your vehicle.
If spring severe weather is predicted, motorists, commuters and long-distance travelers alike should check 511NY before getting on the road to determine if travel is advisable. The free travel information system is accessible 24 hours per day by calling 511, visiting www.511NY.org or downloading the free 511NY mobile app. The service provides real-time traffic conditions, access to more than 1,000 live traffic cameras, and links to information about air, rail and transit services.
