Murder in the suburbs
A note written in a child's scrawl joined several bouquets of flowers underneath a stream of police tape on VerPlank Road at a makeshift memorial for Lori Bresnahan. "I personally think you were the best librarian and you always helped me," the note read. Those words are typical of those used to describe Bresnahan, who was attacked the night of Thursday, March 14, while leaving a gymnastics class at Great Northern Mall with a 10-year-old child. David Renz, 29, of Cicero, forced his way into Bresnahan’s car, bound her and sexually assaulted the child, then drove them to VerPlank Road, where his car was waiting. The child was able to escape and was helped by a passing motorist. Meanwhile, Bresnahan suffered several stab wounds and later died at Upstate University Hospital. The child is currently recovering from her injuries.
Police Blotter: Criminal mischief, harassment charged
At 9:46 p.m. Feb. 19, Barbara Reed, 37, of 45 Elizabeth St., Baldwinsville, was arrested and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment following a domestic dispute at 53 Candlewood Garden Apartments, Baldwinsville.
SAFE Act not a solution to gun violence
Violence and crime are big problems in many regions of the country and the world. In Onondaga County, specifically within the city of Syracuse, crimes take place on a daily basis, many of which are committed with a firearm. As a community, we have become desensitized by the gun violence that takes place within the city. The city of Syracuse, Onondaga County and the state of New York need to invest in real solutions to the escalating crime and gun violence. The New York SAFE Act is not a solution to the gun violence that takes place in the city of Syracuse. If I thought for one minute the SAFE Act would make the public safer, I would have been in full support. Unfortunately, without the input from law enforcement officers, mental health professionals and the general public, a hasty law was adopted that does little to prevent violent crimes and turns law-abiding citizens into criminals.
Chittenango police chief arrested
Jeffrey Paul charged with two felonies and relieved of his duties
Madison County Sheriff’s investigators have arrested a long-serving Madison County Police Chief. Jeffrey Paul, 53, of Canastota, Chief of the Chittenango Police Department, was arrested this morning and charged with two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E Felony.
Former Skaneateles car dealer Pat Bombard in custody
Being held without bail for failing to pay restitution
Former Skaneateles car dealer Pat Bombard was taken into custody by Onondaga County Sheriffs on Feb. 22 for violation of probation. Bombard failed to pay over $120,000 restitution to a Skaneateles resident whom he has swindled.
Madison County Sheriff’s Office investigating Chittenango police chief
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office recently executed search warrants in at the Village of Chittenango Police Department and Chittenango Village Offices as part of an ongoing investigation of Chittenango Chief of Police Jeffrey Paul.
Former town of Manlius court clerk charged with stealing over $122,000
Kim Amidon appeared in Pompey town court Tuesday night
Kim Amidon, of Lafayette, appeared in Pompey town court on March 5 after being accused of stealing more than $122,000 of bail and fine money the day before.
End of watch for Madison County Sheriff’s first canine team
Madison County’s first narcotic canine team, known throughout the law enforcement community as unit K9-1, is no longer available. The team, consisting of canine Lida and her handler, Deputy Lance Zaleski, were coming close to the end of their joint efforts when Lida was due to retire in March of this year, as she is 10 years old. Lida was put to rest on Monday, Feb. 18.
Morrisville raid by county sheriff's office yields drug arrest
A three-month investigation culminated Saturday, Feb. 16, when Madison County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigators and members of the sheriff’s special operations unit, executing a search warrant, raided an apartment on East Main Street in the Village of Morrisville shortly after midnight. When entry was made to the apartment, located at 26 East Main Street, investigators located and seized a small quantity of cocaine, approximately 130 grams of marijuana (with a street value of $2,600) and nearly $11,000 in cash.
WSYR-TV station aired images of Liverpool theft suspect
Thanks to video technology, a man suspected of swiping three bottles of expensive vodka on Feb. 6, at Nichols Discount Liquor store in Liverpool, has been identified. An arrest warrant has been issued for Michael Bertrand, 55, who allegedly stole three bottles of Grey Goose vodka from the store at 301 First St. He can be seen on the store video recorded that Wednesday afternoon stuffing the bottles down his pants before stopping at the cash register to pay for an inexpensive liqueur bottle. The cost of the stolen bottles was about $125.
DA investigating Manlius Town Court
Town court clerk ends employment with the town after a “discrepancy” in funds
An investigation is underway for the Town of Manlius by the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office in the wake of the abrupt departure of former town court clerk Kim Amidon. Town Supervisor Ed Theobald said that the town was in the process of doing an audit for the court for 2011 this October. Government officials had just started the audit when they noticed some discrepancies, which they felt were big enough that the DA needed to be brought in.
Protecting our students
Last week we had a meeting for parents to explain the security measures that we have in place in Liverpool Central School District buildings. After we showed the folks in the audience what security measures we had in place, we asked the really important question of the night: “Do you believe that the district should add further measures to our security protocol? And, if so, what?”
Cazenovia police officers recognized by county for DWI enforcement
Five members of the Cazenovia Police Department were recognized last week for their outstanding efforts to enforce DWI laws by the Madison County Stop DWI Programs. Cazenovia Police Sgt. Karen Zaleski, and officers Richard Bennett, Christopher Manion, Stephen White and George Millet were honored along with 14 other law enforcement officers from departments across the county at the 25th annual Law Enforcement Day Luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at a ceremony at New Beginnings Church in Wampsville.
Underage Drinking Initiative leads to three arrests
On Feb. 15, the New York State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative in the towns of Cicero, Clay and Salina, including the villages of Liverpool and North Syracuse.
Dewitt police report 18 year old missing
Dylan Ursino has been missing since Feb. 13
Chief of Police Eugene J. Conway reports that the Dewitt Police Department is investigating the report of an endangered missing person. Dylan Ursino, 18 years old, was reported missing by his parents, who haven’t seen or heard from him since February 13th, 2013.
