WSSV News

Nine people are accused of stealing major artworks from museums around the country, including in Saratoga Springs. According to WNYT, the group stole works of art and sports memorabilia over a period of 20 years, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pennsylvania said. The stolen items include five trophies worth more than $400,000 including the 1903 Belmont Stakes trophy – stolen from the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs.

State Police assigned to the Northway Interstate Highway Patrol arrested Anthony J. Hawkins, 30, of Colonie, NY, for Felony Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Endangerment , Obstructing Governmental Administration and other counts.
On June 10, 2023, at about 11:21 p.m., Troopers stopped a vehicle on I-87 in Clifton Park, NY, for multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The driver, later identified as Hawkins, was uncooperative and provided false identifying information. During the investigation, Hawkins failed to follow the Trooper’s instructions and fled the stop in his vehicle, nearly striking the Trooper. The vehicle was later located a short distance away, abandoned by the driver. Further investigation discovered Hawkins had multiple DWI convictions in the last ten years.

Sunday, State Police of Saratoga, arrested Scott M. Bullard, 24, of Ballston, NY, for 18 counts of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree. On June 18, 2023, at about 10:00 p.m., Troopers responded to the Saratoga Spa State Park for the reports of an individual damaging parked vehicles in the area of North South Road. Troopers and Park Police took Bullard into custody at the scene. The investigation determined Bullard damaged 18 parked vehicles by standing and jumping on them. No one was injured during the incident.

State Police of Wilton arrested Quintin J. Mclean, 25, of Moreau, NY, for Robbery and False Personation.
On June 16, 2023, at about 12:04 p.m., Troopers responded to the Dunkin Donuts on State Route 9 in Moreau, NY, for the report of a robbery in progress. The suspect fled the location prior to law enforcement’s arrival. The investigation determined Mclean was responsible for the robbery, and he was located at a nearby hotel. Initially, Mclean provided false identifying information. No one was injured during the crime, and no weapons were displayed.

Clifton Park volunteer firefighters are banding together after some were denied a state approved 10% property tax exemption. WNYT reports this is now the second time they’ve been denied and today they let the public know how critical this exemption is to recruit and retain fire services in the community.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recently announced that a $1.5 million state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression system has been installed at the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic site. The Saratogian reports the new system deploys a mixture of nitrogen and water mist instead of the typical streams of water when the sensors detect a fine. In the case of a fire, the mist would rapidly lower the fire’s temperature and the nitrogen would displace oxygen which would deprive the fire of the fuel it needs to continue.

A Milton man is behind bars after allegedly having sexual contact with a child. WNYT reports 35-year-old Timothy Perkins was arrested Saturday morning after police were called to a home on Adirondack Circle in Wilton, for a reported sex offense. Perkins is charged with criminal sexual act, sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash killed a Northumberland man. It happened late Saturday night in the town of Northumberland . 42 year-old Zachary D. Yeager of Northumberland had been walking southbound on Route 32 just north of the hamlet of Gansevoort when he was struck by a 2005 Honda Accord and then vehicle. The driver of the Accord was arrested for DWI.

A Northumberland man was arrested and is accused of grand larceny. Stephen Rajeski, 53, was arrested this week. WTEN reports State Police received a complaint from a victim saying they had entered into an agreement with Rajeski for contracted work for a new generator. Rajeski allegedly never provided or installed the agreed-upon generator, causing a financial loss of $8,894 to the victim. Rajeski surrendered himself to Saratoga State Police for processing.

Police in Saratoga Springs are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in the baseball dugout of the West Side Rec. According to WNYT, 55 year old Steven French was found around 7 a.m. Thursday. It appears he had been there for several hours, but police aren’t sure how he died.