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CRIME & SAFETY
Utica elementary school principal murdered by boyfriend, deputies say
Utica, N.Y. — A Utica elementary school principal was murdered by her boyfriend, Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies said Thursday. Elizabeth A. Gerling, 50, of Marcy, was found dead in her bed Tuesday at her home at 9111 Birch Circle, deputies said. The medical examiner’s office ruled her death homicide due to strangulation.
UPDATE: Jamestown Man Identified as Victim of Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A Jamestown man died in a motorcycle crash early Friday afternoon in the Town of Poland. State Police in Jamestown responded to a location on Route 394 shortly before 1:15 PM. Troopers say an investigation found that the motorcycle, operated by 77-year-old John Hodgkin, was traveling west when it left the roadway and struck a ditch, causing him to be ejected. First responders from Kennedy and Falconer responded and providing life-saving measures; however, Hodgkin was pronounced dead at the scene. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office will be performing an autopsy. The investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
Bicycle Rider Punches Driver in Face Through Open Window at Stoplight; Charges Filed
UTICA, N.Y. -- For the second day, violence involving someone on a bicycle has been reported in Utica. This time, it was the cyclist who is facing charges. The Utica Police Department reports that this incident took place on Aug. 13 at around 11:45 a.m. on Eagle Street. Authorities said...
Utica woman arrested in Albany Street incident
UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A Utica woman is facing assault charges after she struck a bicyclist in an incident on Wednesday, August 21, according to Utica Police. Police were called to the 1000 block of Albany Street at approximately 9:45 on Wednesday morning. Upon their arrival, police spoke with both parties and learned that the male was riding his bicycle on Albany Street.
Police made contact with alleged killer of Utica principal the night before her death
UTICA, N.Y. — On August 19, an Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a call from someone concerned about a stranger following them and acting strange. That stranger was Jeremy Kirch. He was eventually brought to the house of his girlfriend, Elizabeth Gerling, who told the deputy she had been waiting for Kirch at home.
31 Years Ago Sara Anne Wood Disappeared, Search Continues Today
August 18th marks a solemn anniversary in Central New York. It's the tragic day 12-year-old Sara Anne Wood disappeared from a rural road near her Frankfort home. 31 years ago, on August 18, 1993, Sara vanished while riding her bike home from bible school at Norwich Corners Church on Roberts Road. Her abductor, Lewis S. Lent Jr. eventually confessed to kidnapping and murdering Sara while in custody for another child crime. He's currently serving a life sentence without parole.
Old Forge resident faced with numerous charges after allegedly attacking police officers during domestic incident
OLD FORGE- A resident from the Western Adirondacks is faced with numerous charges stemming from a domestic incident in Herkimer County, where responding police officers were attacked, authorities say. Paul J. Case, 23, of Old Forge, NY was arrested on Friday by the Town of Webb Police Department. Case was...
SNUG, Save Our Streets Rally for Utica's Latest Homicide Victim
UTICA, N.Y. -- A stray bullet, meant for someone else, instead found 75-year-old Paul Newman, of Utica, Saturday morning. The 75-year-old died from his injuries. Newman's family said he was on his porch around 4 a.m. on Saturday, feeding stray neighborhood cats when he was shot. He later died from...
Robbery suspects arrested in Rome after stabbing driver and taking his car in Syracuse
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Two men stabbed a man before taking his car in Syracuse on Saturday afternoon, ending up in the City of Rome in Oneida County before authorities arrested them. According to Syracuse Police, officers responded to the 300 block of Richmond Avenue at around 3:27 p.m. after...
Man Stabbed in Leg After Two Suspects Demand Cash in Utica
UTICA, N.Y. -- A robbery and stabbing investigation is underway following an incident that occurred on the 1400 block of Kemble Street. Utica Police officers responded to the area on Aug. 21 at 9 p.m. When officers arrived, they said that they spoke with a victim who reported that he...
Utica community mourns death of beloved teacher, principal, friend and colleague
Elizabeth Gerling’s murder has left many reeling and mourning the loss of a beloved member of the community, a dear friend, and a loving teacher. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday it had arrested Gerling's boyfriend Jeremy Kirch, 45, of Camden, in connection to the alleged murder. According to her obituary, Gerling...
Utica Man Charged with More Burglaries Following Last Week's Arrest
UTICA, N.Y. -- A Utica man is now charged with four separate burglaries. A week ago, 60-year-old Richard Brown was arrested by Utica Police officers for breaking the glass window of a store on Eagle Street and stealing money and products. That incident occurred on July 26 around 4 a.m.
Police: Jamestown man dies in motorcycle accident
POLAND, N.Y. — The New York State Police reported that a man died in a motorcycle crash around 1:10 p.m. Friday in the town of Poland. John W. Hodgkin, a 77-year-old man from Jamestown, was driving west bound on State Route 394 on his motorcycle. The vehicle was a...
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