By DIANE VALDEN
COPAKE—David A. Grant, Jr., 38, of State Route 23, Craryville was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, fourth degree criminal mischief, all class A misdemeanors, and second degree harassment, a violation, August 26, according to a press release from Columbia County Sheriff Donald J. Krapf.
Columbia County 911 dispatched deputies to a Copake residence for a reported active physical domestic dispute at 6:26 p.m. that day.
After deputies’ arrived and were trying separate the parties and investigate the domestic dispute, Mr. Grant allegedly fled the scene on foot into a wooded area near the residence.
It was reported to the deputies that Mr. Grant may allegedly be in possession of a weapon.
The Sheriff’s Office K9 and Drone Team, along with the New York State Police K9 and Aviation Unit, conducted a search of the area for the suspect. At about 9:48 p.m., Mr. Grant exited the woods, surrendered himself, and was taken into custody by deputies. At the time of his arrest, Mr. Grant was not in possession of a weapon.
Further investigation into the incident revealed that Mr. Grant allegedly choked, harassed and also damaged property that belonged to the victim. Also, the incident occurred in the presence of children. The victim received minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. The children were uninjured.
Mr. Grant was arraigned before Justice Michael Brandon in Claverack Court and released on his own recognizance with a later court date.
Valatie
State Police in Kinderhook responded to a residence in Valatie with the Chatham and Tr-Village fire departments for a structure fire, August 22.
The engulfed structure was a shed, which housed all-terrain vehicles, a zero-turn mower and other lawn equipment. The blaze was extinguished, but the shed and its contents were a total loss.
An investigation determined Noah D. Faulkner, 21, of Valatie, who was familiar with the victim, allegedly intentionally set the fire, according to State Police.
He was charged with third degree arson, a class C felony.
Mr. Faulkner was arraigned in Chatham Town Court and released on his own recognizance to reappear before the court September 4.
Pine Plains
On August 15 at 3 p.m., a couple hiking Stissing Mountain in Dutchess County called for help after becoming lost. Forest Ranger Griggsby Cowart made phone contact with the 70- and 71-year-old hikers from Ancramdale and advised the pair to stay put, according to a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) press release. At 4:21 p.m., Ranger Cowart reached the couple, provided water, and helped them to the parking lot. But just before arriving at the lot, the group was swarmed by ground nesting bees and were stung multiple times. At the lot, Ranger Cowart provided hydrocortisone and monitored the hikers to ensure they did not experience an allergic reaction. The couple departed in their vehicle at 4:25 p.m.
DEC forest rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, forest rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.
If a person needs a forest ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a forest ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every ranger listed by region: http://on.ny.gov/NYSForestRangerRoster
Livingston
State Police in Livingston were contacted by Child Protective Services August 13, regarding an unlicensed purported daycare facility, formerly known as Roxbury Playgroup, allegedly operated by Carla Jo Cashen in Columbia County.
State Police received information of possible abuse and/or maltreatment taking place at that facility, according to a press release.
Anyone with any information regarding the facility is asked to contact Troop K Communications at 1-845-677-7300.
Copake
Columbia 911 dispatched Copake firefighters and the Community Rescue Squad to the scene of a structure fire at 1662 Route 7A, August 18 at 2:06 a.m.
Ancram, Hillsdale, Craryville, Claverack, Taghkanic, Greenport, Livingston and Millerton firefighters responded to provide mutual aid while Egremont firefighters stood by.
NYSEG was requested to scene. The Sheriff’s Office and State Police investigated while County Fire Coordinators and the Cause and Origin Team assisted on the scene.
Volunteers from the Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to two people after the fire.
The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to one adult and a 16-year-old. Volunteers also offered emotional support, comfort kits containing personal care items, and health services.
Fire departments were back in service at 8:20 a.m.
To contact Diane Valden email dvalden@columbiapaper.com
Two vehicles collided at 1944 Route 66 in Ghent in front of Simmons Automotive, August 26 at 3:19 p.m. Ghent Fire, Chatham Rescue, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the State Police were on scene. Chatham Rescue took one driver to the Albany Medical Center for evaluation. NYSE&G was advised that a pole was struck. Route 66 was closed for more than an hour during the incident. Firefighters were back in service at 4:43 p.m. Photo by RE Lindmark
