Schenectady

Beloved Schenectady police K9 Ramo dies after years of service

SCHENECTADY, NY — The Schenectady Police Department is mourning the death of retired K9 officer Ramo, a dedicated service dog who spent years protecting the community alongside his partner and handler. Chief Eric S. Clifford announced Ramo’s passing on Thursday evening, sharing that the K9, who joined the department in 2017, had recently fallen ill. Ramo was initially assigned to Patrolman Sean Clifford, and the duo continued their service at the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office after Clifford’s retirement from the city police force. Key Points: Honoring a loyal K9 and his legacy At home, Ramo lived with another K9, Vert.

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Young man gunned down in broad daylight on Schenectady street

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A man in his 20s was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon on a busy Schenectady street, prompting a full-scale homicide investigation by city police. Officers were called to 1807 Van Vranken Avenue at approximately 3:24 p.m. for a report of a man down. Responding units found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. First responders from the Schenectady Fire Department treated him on the scene before transporting him to Ellis Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Key Points: Altercation leads to deadly shooting Authorities say the shooting stemmed from an altercation, though no

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Man shot in broad daylight on Van Vranken Avenue, Schenectady cops say

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A man in his 20s was shot in broad daylight Wednesday afternoon on Van Vranken Avenue, prompting an active investigation by the Schenectady Police Department. Police said the incident occurred around 3:24 p.m. near 1807 Van Vranken Ave., where officers found the male victim lying outside after suffering at least one gunshot wound. Emergency personnel from the Schenectady Fire Department treated the victim at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital. His current condition has not been released. Key Points Police seek information as shooting probe unfolds Authorities have not released any details regarding

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Schenectady honors animal control officers for frontline work in animal welfare

SCHENECTADY, NY — The Schenectady Police Department is recognizing two of its own during Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, commending their efforts in protecting and caring for animals throughout the city. ACO Elizabeth Booke and ACO Gina Voris were honored in a public message shared by the department on Friday, thanking them for their daily dedication and professionalism. “From helping with missing and injured animals to being on the front line of cases of abuse, these two officers are often tasked with some of our most emotionally taxing work,” the department stated. Booke and Voris serve as the city’s primary

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Man shoots wife, then himself inside Schenectady apartment

SCHENECTADY, NY — A 44-year-old man is dead and a woman is hospitalized after a domestic shooting inside a North End Drive apartment Thursday evening, Schenectady Police confirmed. Officers were dispatched to 540 North End Drive around 7:19 p.m. on April 17 following reports of an altercation called in by neighbors. As officers approached the residence, they heard a woman screaming from an upstairs apartment, stating that a man had a gun. As officers climbed the building’s common stairway, they heard two gunshots from within the apartment. Police forced entry and found the female victim with gunshot wounds to her

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Man dead, Woman stumbles out of Schenectady home after being shot in torso

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A man is dead and a woman is hospitalized after gunfire broke out during an altercation inside a Northend Drive residence Thursday evening. Schenectady Police responded to a call around 7:19 p.m. at 540 Northend Drive. As officers approached the home, they heard gunshots ring out from inside the building. Moments later, an adult female emerged with a gunshot wound to the torso, and officers found an adult male inside suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment, though

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Man arrested after injured dog ‘Lavender’ abandoned in Schenectady, police say

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the animal cruelty case involving “Lavender,” a severely injured dog found abandoned in Schenectady last week, police announced Friday. Key Points Basean D. Brooks of Schenectady is accused of walking the injured dog to the area of McClellan Street and Eastern Parkway and leaving her there, according to police. He was arrested on April 4 and charged under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Section 353, a Class A misdemeanor related to animal cruelty. Lavender was discovered by good Samaritans on the evening of March 29, suffering

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Heavily fortified homes raided in Schenectady illicit cannabis bust

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Two homes fortified to resist police entry were raided Wednesday evening in Schenectady as part of a joint operation targeting the illegal sale of cannabis, authorities said. At approximately 5:00 p.m., the Schenectady Police Department’s Special Operations Squad and Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team, executed search warrants at 1521 Devine Street and 542 Schenectady Street, police said. The two residences were under investigation for alleged illicit cannabis sales. Upon entry, law enforcement discovered reinforced windows, doorways, and other barriers designed to delay or prevent forced entry. Eric

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8-year-old boy killed in Schenectady hit-and-run; suspect vehicle recovered

Schenectady Police Investigate Fatal Hit-and-Run

**SCHENECTADY, NY** – Schenectady Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on the evening of Wednesday, March 19 at approximately 7:38 p.m. Officers were called to Chrisler Avenue and Crane Street, responding to a report of a child struck by a vehicle.

Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive 8-year-old boy. The child was transported to Ellis Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

The driver involved fled the scene before officers arrived. A subsequent search led to the discovery of the suspected vehicle in the Woodlawn area of Schenectady.

Detectives are interviewing a person of interest as the investigation continues, assisted by the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Schenectady Police Department’s Tips Line at 518-788-6566.

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Deadly overnight stabbing claims life of woman overnight in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – A woman died after being stabbed multiple times on Lincoln Avenue on Friday night, according to the Schenectady Police Department. Officers responded to the 800 block of Lincoln Avenue at 7:57 p.m. for reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found a victim in critical condition. Paramedics from the Schenectady Fire Department provided medical aid before transporting her to Ellis Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Police have classified the case as a homicide and are continuing to investigate. Authorities have closed Lincoln Avenue between Hulett Street and Craig Street as the investigation continues. Police do

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One man hospitalized in early morning shooting in Schenectady

Schenectady, N.Y. — A man was hospitalized early Wednesday morning after being shot in the leg on Swan Street, police said. Officers responded to the area around 3:57 a.m. and found the victim outside with a gunshot wound. Schenectady Fire Department medics treated him at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made as detectives continue to investigate the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call the Schenectady Police Department’s Tips Line at 518-788-6566.

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Fatal Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Schenectady

Fatal Vehicle Crash Under Investigation in Schenectady

**Schenectady, NY** – A fatal motor vehicle crash occurred involving a single car on the evening of March 3 at approximately 11:20 p.m. near Eastern Avenue and Rankin Avenue. Schenectady Police officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of the incident.

Upon arrival, officers found a car had collided with a tree. The driver received treatment from Schenectady Fire Department paramedics but later succumbed to the injuries sustained.

Investigators from the Schenectady Police Department’s Traffic Division, Crime Scene Unit, and Schenectady County Crash Reconstruction Team responded to the scene. They are continuing to conduct an investigation into the tragic incident.

At this time, the identity of the driver is being withheld pending the notification of their family. Authorities request patience as they proceed with the investigation.

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Schenectady teen arrested after Snapchat school threat

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – A 14-year-old student was arrested after allegedly threatening to bring a gun to school and kill a classmate in a Snapchat message, police said. Schenectady Police Department officers were alerted to the threat by Schenectady School District administrators on the night of February 22. Authorities interviewed the victim and later located the suspect and his family. The suspect, also 14, was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Due to the suspect’s age, police did not release further identifying details. No firearm was found during the investigation, and authorities stated there are

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New York State Police announce nuclear emergency training exercise in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A large-scale nuclear training exercise will take place in Schenectady beginning Sunday, with visible activity expected to commence Monday, according to the New York State Police. The exercise will simulate a nuclear event, allowing participants to train in realistic conditions. Emergency personnel will wear personal protective gear as part of the simulation. Authorities emphasized that the event poses no risk to the public and is strictly a preparedness drill. The training is part of ongoing efforts to enhance response capabilities to potential nuclear incidents, ensuring that emergency teams are equipped to handle such events if they occur.

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Schenectady police seek help in solving tire-slashing spree in Mont Pleasant

SCHENECTADY, NY — Detectives with the Schenectady Police Department are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a series of criminal mischief incidents in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood, where dozens of vehicle tires have been slashed and two cars stolen in recent weeks. Police first responded to reports of tire slashings on December 28, 2024, affecting vehicles on Norwood Avenue, Willett Street, Van Cortlandt Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, Dewitt Street, and Vermont Avenue. During the same night, two vehicles were also stolen from Van Cortlandt Street, though both have since been recovered. A second string of similar incidents occurred on

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Schenectady police arrest Niskayuna man in overnight hit-and-run

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A 29-year-old Niskayuna man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run early Wednesday morning that left a 41-year-old woman in critical condition, the Schenectady Police Department announced. The incident occurred at approximately 1:18 a.m. at the intersection of Union Street and Nott Terrace. Police say the victim was struck by a vehicle while walking and found lying in the roadway upon their arrival. She was treated at the scene by the Schenectady Fire Department and transported to Albany Medical Center by Mohawk Ambulance, where she remains in critical condition. The driver of the striking vehicle, identified

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Police investigate report of masked man following 11-year-old girl in Schenectady

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Authorities in Schenectady are investigating an incident in which an 11-year-old girl was followed by a masked individual in a grey vehicle while walking to school Tuesday morning. According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 8:40 a.m. near Winston Place and Albany Street. The child, a student at Central Park Middle School, reported that the driver of the vehicle, believed to be a man, made several gestures for her to get into the car as he followed her for several blocks. The girl refused and continued to school unharmed, where she promptly reported the encounter to

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Schenectady prepares for 55th annual holiday parade with road closures and parking restrictions

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The 55th Annual Holiday Parade in Schenectady is set to bring festive cheer this Saturday evening, with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. and extensive preparations already underway. The Schenectady Police Department announced that road closures will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, starting with a section of State Street between Broadway and Clinton Street. Additional closures along the main parade route and nearby streets will expand from 2:30 p.m. Parking restrictions will be enforced throughout the day to accommodate the event, which attracts thousands of spectators annually. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and adhere to posted signs.

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Schenectady police investigating reported attempted abduction of teen at bus stop

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Police are investigating an incident in which a 19-year-old woman was approached by a man in a gray pickup truck while she waited at a bus stop Thursday morning. According to witnesses, the incident occurred at approximately 7:40 a.m. near the intersection of Second Avenue and Bluff Avenue. The driver of the truck reportedly told the woman to get into the vehicle. When she refused, the man drove away without further interaction. Officers were able to locate the vehicle later in the day, and the incident remains under investigation. Police confirmed that the woman involved was not

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Stabbing Incident Investigated by Schenectady Police

Stabbing Incident Investigated by Schenectady Police

**Schenectady, NY** – Schenectady Police are conducting an investigation into a stabbing that took place overnight in the Bellevue Neighborhood. Officers received a dispatch call at approximately 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday, responding to reports of a male victim on Euclid Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim on Arthur Street. The man was reportedly approached and assaulted by an unidentified male.

During the incident, the victim sustained a chest stabbing and a shin laceration. He was transported to a local hospital for surgery and currently remains in stable condition.

No arrests have been made as detectives continue their investigation. Police request anyone with information to contact their Tips Line at 518-788-6566.

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Schenectady man pleads guilty to witness retaliation after assaulting teen

ALBANY, N.Y. — Patrick Civitello, 18, of Schenectady, New York, pleaded guilty on October 28 to witness retaliation, admitting he assaulted a 15-year-old boy in retaliation for the boy’s mother testifying in a federal drug trafficking trial. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. Civitello, the son of Jeffrey Civitello Sr. and younger brother of Jeffrey Civitello Jr., both convicted in April 2023 on federal drug charges, admitted in court to targeting the mother, identified as V-1, who testified against his family members.

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Teen Victim Identified in Deadly House Party Shooting in Schenectady

Schenectady, NY – Schenectady Police have disclosed the identity of a 15-year-old victim involved in a shooting incident on Congress Street. The victim has been identified as Dubar T. Knowles, a resident of Schenectady. A second victim, a 13-year-old female from Schenectady, is recovering in a local hospital. She underwent surgery for a gunshot wound and is reported to be in stable condition. Schenectady police investigated following a shooting that occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:20 PM on the 1100 block of Congress Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a chaotic environment with a large crowd fleeing the

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Two Young Teens Shot at Party in Schenectady

Schenectady, NY – Schenectady police commenced an investigation following a shooting that occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:20 PM on the 1100 block of Congress Street. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a chaotic environment with a large crowd fleeing the area. They found a 15-year-old male in the backyard of 1122 Congress Street who had suffered a gunshot wound to his torso. Further investigations revealed a second victim, a 13-year-old female, located several blocks away on Chrisler Avenue, with a gunshot wound to her head/neck area. Both victims received immediate medical attention from the Schenectady Fire Department and

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Schenectady Police Announce Scare-nectady Haunted Patrol

Schenectady, NY – The Schenectady Police Department has announced the upcoming Scare-nectady Haunted Patrol. The event is scheduled for the evening of Thursday. The official flyer for the event was created by Mrs. Ambesi of the Schenectady City School District. It provides information on finding a stop nearby for those interested in participating. Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy plays a significant role in making this event memorable each year. The police department expressed gratitude to their sponsors and partners for their support. Additional details and photos can be accessed through Schenectady Police Department’s social media.

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Juvenile Arrested in Schenectady for Alleged Threats on Social Media

SCHENECTADY, NY – On the evening of Thursday, a 13-year-old student from Schenectady High School was arrested by officers from the Schenectady Police Department. The arrest followed an investigation into threats made over social media, specifically on TikTok. The investigation, supported by the FBI and the New York State Police, led to the identification of the threatening posts. The juvenile allegedly stated on TikTok, “I’m going to shoot up school” and “I’m going to shoot up that school.” A subsequent search of the suspect’s home revealed no weapons. Authorities charged the youth with making a terroristic threat, classified as a

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