Troop D – Oneida
Troopers Investigate fatal crash on Route 20 in the town of Sangerfield
On Aug. 9, 2019, at approximately 10:10 a.m., state police in Marcy responded to a two-vehicle crash on State Route 20 near Janis Road in the town of Sangerfield.
Investigation revealed a 2004 Ford dump truck operated by Matthew A. Neal, 22, from North Pitcher, was eastbound on State Route 20 when it crossed over the center lane and into the westbound lane, striking head-on a 2016 Nissan Murano operated by MaryAnne Smith.
Neal sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment. Smith, 72, of West Winfield, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation continues.
Utica man in critical condition following a motorcycle crash in the town of Schuyler
On Aug. 9, 2019, at approximately 11:20 a.m., state police in Herkimer responded to Wood Lane in the town of Schuyler for a reported car-motorcycle crash.
Preliminary investigation suggests a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by 32-year-old Cosmo Pellegrino, III, was southbound on Wood Lane when he attempted to make a left turn into the Schuyler Town Park and entered the path of a 2001 Honda motorcycle that was northbound on Wood Lane.
The operator of the motorcycle, Stas Brutsky, 23, of Utica, attempted to stop but was unable to avoid striking the undercarriage of the pickup truck and was ejected from the motorcycle.
Brutsky was transported by Kunkle Ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica and was then transferred via Medivac helicopter to SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse for severe head injuries and is listed in critical condition. Pellegrino was not injured in the crash.
The investigation continues.
Verona man charged with firing shotgun at troopers and deputy during five-hour standoff
On Aug. 9, 2019, at approximately 12:10 p.m., state police responded to 6047 State Route 46 in the town of Verona for a suicidal subject possibly armed with a gun in a barn behind the residence.
Responding troopers and an Oneida County Sheriff’s Office deputy took cover and established a perimeter. The subject, later identified as Justin Carter, 35, fired several shots toward troopers from at least two sides of the barn. State police crisis negotiators spoke to Carter and, after several hours, he voluntarily surrendered without incident.
Carter, of 6047 State Route 46, Verona, was arrested and charged with the following:
- First-degree attempted murder of a police officer, a class A felony
- First-degree reckless endangerment and menacing a police officer, both class D felonies
- Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class A misdemeanor
Carter was transported to the Oneida County Jail for centralized arraignment procedures.
State police was assisted at the scene by members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Utica City Police Department.
Watertown man arrested on burglary charges
State police in Alexandria Bay arrested Marcus W. Megan, 28, from Watertown, on one count of second-degree burglary, a class C felony, and three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony.
The arrest follows a joint investigation between state police in Alexandria Bay and the Clayton Police Department after several residents reported their vehicles and residences were broken into around the village of Clayton area.
Megan was arraigned in Antwerp Town Court and remanded to the Jefferson County Public Safety Building in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
PIO – NYS
Corlett announces line-of-duty death of Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffrey M. Cicora
It is with deep regret and sadness Superintendent Keith M. Corlett is saddened to announce the Line-of-Duty death of Sergeant/Station Commander Jeffrey M. Cicora.
Aug. 10, 2019, Cicora passed away from an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attack Sept. 11, 2001.
Following those events, Cicora was assigned to New York City to aid in the search and recovery efforts.
Cicora entered the state police Oct. 12, 1992, and served with the state police for 24 years, retiring in May 2017 due to his illness.
Cicora is from Baldwinsville and is survived by his wife and their son.
Arrangements have been set for Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, and Friday, Aug. 16, 2019.
Calling hours will be held Aug. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the same location.