Troopers on Patrol

This week's message takes us to Troops D and K.

On July 12, 2008, Trooper Jason M. Nellis, SP Herkimer, responded to a reported assault in progress in the town of Newport.  While en route, the call was changed to advise shots had been fired and there were injured persons.  Trooper Nellis arrived at the scene and discovered the shooter had been the victim of a severe physical assault prior to retrieving an SKS assault rifle and shooting his assailant in retaliation.  The shooting victim stated that the perpetrator shot him four times, striking him twice, while yelling, "I'm going to kill you."  The shooting victim retreated to the side of a nearby vehicle for cover with the shooter in pursuit, and who only discontinued his pursuit upon the arrival of Trooper Nellis.

While securing the scene for medical units to respond and tending to both victims/suspects, Trooper Nellis continued to pay attention and heard the shooter's statement "He jumped me, so I shot him," and recorded that for prosecution purposes.   Shortly thereafter, the victim lapsed into unconsciousness.  More than a dozen State Police assets were brought to bear on this investigation that night, lead by BCI Captain Gregory E. Walsh, and numerous Uniform and BCI personnel.  The shooter was arrested for Attempted Murder 2nd and was remanded to the Herkimer County Jail.  Possible charges against the other subject are pending the outcome of the investigation.

The swift response of Trooper Nellis quickly permitted safeguarding of both victims/suspects and the many uninvolved bystanders and residents.  During this highly stressful time, Trooper Nellis' calm demeanor permitted him to effectively execute the Division's mission of protecting people, including both victims/suspects, and restoring the peace while still successfully gathering a crucial incriminating statement from the shooter.

Troop K

On July 8, 2008, at approximately 9:05 p.m., Trooper Edward Kosilla was working a 2 shift out of SP Wappinger when he patrolled to a residence on Mocassin View Road and interviewed the complainant.  The man stated that he had been on vacation with his family, and when he returned to his residence at approximately 8:15 p.m., he discovered that the doors to his garage were opened and his 1987 Chevrolet Corvette was missing.  He also stated that he had his daughter call 911, and he jumped into his Dodge Neon and drove down the road to look for the Corvette, and located it being driven by two of his son's friends.  Both suspects jumped out of the Corvette and ran into a wooded area.

Troopers Nigel K. Barnett and David A. Teator Jr. responded to the scene to assist.  Investigator Kimberly A. Hettwer was notified and responded as well.  The residence and vehicles were inspected and processed with various evidence secured.  The complainant and family were escorted through the residence, and inspection revealed that an X-Box 360 gaming system and a laptop computer had also been taken.  Both suspects were located and taken into custody without incident and transported to SP Wappinger.

One subject stated that knowing his friend was away on vacation, he and the other decided to "party" at the friend's house.  Both suspects attempted to gain access downstairs, but after failing to get in, observed a window A/C unit in the master bedroom.  They found a ladder and removed the A/C unit and then entered the residence through the open space. He said they hung out in the basement playing video games.  A Camaro, another vehicle of the complainant, was also taken from the garage by the two suspects and driven around locally.

The youths found the keys to the Corvette and drove to a friend's house.  When they returned later to the residence, they attempted to drive away but were encountered by the owner. The suspects drove around him and jumped from the car and ran into the woods.

Both subjects were processed for Burglary 2nd and transported to the Village of Wappingers Falls Court for arraignment.  Both suspects were arraigned before the judge and released to their fathers, with orders to return to the Town of Wappinger Court on July 9.