All Over Albany

Grandmother arrested in child's death, pedestrian dies after being hit on Central Ave, very slow growth in local economy, light beer for a long life

The grandmother of an 8-year-old Schenectady boy who was found unresponsive at home Saturday (map) -- and later died at the hospital -- has been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter. Police say there was a physical confrontation on Friday at the home. Said Schenectady police lieutenant Mark McCracken: "There was a dispute a day or two prior to his being found in an unresponsive state. That directly led to his death." McCracken says the results of an autopsy performed Sunday "suggested homicide." [TU] [News 10] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]

The pedestrian hit by a vehicle while crossing Central Ave (map) Thursday night died Friday afternoon, Albany police say. The incident has prompted calls for a review of the intersection and the way traffic lights cycle there. During a vigil for the woman Friday night another pedestrian was struck by a vehicle a block down Central Ave (map). [APD] [TU] [News 10]

Albany police say officers found a man shot in Arbor Hill Friday night (map). APD says the man reported being shot by someone in a dark colored vehicle. APD says the man was treated and released. [APD]

A minimum wage increase appears to have the necessary votes in the state legislature, but Senate Republicans -- concerned about the effect of an increase on small businesses -- are holding up the bill. [TU]

The Obama admin has released a list of funding cuts to New York (and other states) if "sequestration" takes effect. [TU] [CNN]

The federal government reports that Capital Region GDP grew less than 1 percent in 2011 (the latest year available). [TU]

Twenty-six of the state's 62 counties have passed resolutions opposing the NY SAFE Act -- and many others have resolutions pending. [TU]

With the federal government looking to cut back, local officials are concerned about the future of Stratton Air National Guard Base in Glenville -- and its estimated $123 million economic impact. [Daily Gazette]

Schenectady's city clerk is pushing for a census of the city's estimated 15,000 dogs -- he says many of which aren't licensed. [TU]

Documents filed in US District Court indicated Troy police chief John Tedesco will testify this week in a civil case in which a man alleges the TPD has not adequately investigated complaints against the department. [Troy Record]

A Colonie police officer has been suspended after he was charged in connection with a bar brawl in Lake George last August. [TU]

Rotterdam police say they Pioneer Bank on Altamont Ave was robbed late Friday afternoon -- just five minutes before closing time (map). [Daily Gazette] [TU]

East Greenbush police say a resident's 911 call helped foil what appears to have been an intended bank robbery. [EGPD]

Schenectady police are investigating the theft of about $600 from donation box at a mosque. [News10]

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says a man was charged with injuring a police dog after a search on Saturday. The sheriff's office says the police dog -- Gunner -- had found the man hiding underneath a utility trailer. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

A Saratoga Springs couple wasn't at home while their apartment building burned Thursday night -- because they were at the hospital having a baby. And they're apartment was untouched by the fire. Said the new mom of her baby, to the Saratogian: "It's a miracle. I feel like she brought us here and kept us safe." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]

The price of electricity in New York State jumped significantly in January because of rising natural gas demand. [Daily Gazette]

The state has pledged $50,000 to help with the voluntary boat washing stations planned for Lake George -- the plan is aimed at reducing the spread of invasive species. [TU]

New York State is looking for alternatives to the GED. [AP/TU]

Cohoes is looking at creating a waterfront park on the Hudson River on Van Schaick Island. [Troy Record]

A dispute between a Saratoga Springs couple is its neighborhood's homeowners' association is heading to court -- over shutters (map). [Daily Gazette]

John Sweeney's show on TALK 1300 has ended -- two weeks after it started. [TU]

That birthday party stripper story has gotten South Glens Falls plenty of attention -- that it would rather not have. [NYT]

The secret to a long line, according to a 90-year-old South Troy man: family, exercise, light beer. [Troy Record]

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APD: Pedestrian Auto Accident on Central Avenue

Albany police are investigating a pedestrian auto accident that occurred last night on Central Avenue.

At approximately 10:20 p.m., officers responded to Central Avenue and King Avenue for a report of a person struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived they located Katherine Parker, 28, of Albany, with several injuries.

She was treated at the scene by firefighters and taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital . She is currently listed in critical condition.

It appears that Parker was crossing Central Avenue at the intersection when she was struck by a vehicle traveling in the westbound lane. The driver Corine Edwards, 68, Albany, was not injured during the incident.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Update The woman who was struck by a vehicle last night on Central Avenue has passed away.

Katherine Parker, 28, of Albany, passed away this afternoon at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

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APD: Shooting

Albany police are investigating the shooting of a 23 year old city resident that occurred last night on First Street.

On February 22, 2013 at approximately 11:10 p.m., officers responded to the area of Clinton Avenue and Lark Street for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a male with a single gunshot wound to his back. He told officers that while in the area of First Street and Henry Johnson Boulevard, he was shot by someone traveling in dark colored vehicle.

The victim was treated at the scene by medical personnel and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital. He has since been released.

The investigation is still ongoing.

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EGPD: Peo. v Milton D. Clark

Police believe a would-be bank robber was all set to enter the TD Bank of East Greenbush this afternoon, and would have, if it were not for an alert neighbor who called 911 to report the suspicious person.

Shortly before 3:00P.M., a neighbor living close to the bank, says she saw a man dressed in dark clothing wearing what looked like a ski mask. The man was using a shed in her back yard, as concealment, while he was apparently watching the bank. She also observed that he was carrying a dark backpack. At that point she called 911 and relayed what she was seeing to Police Dispatcher Chris Bertram. Bertram broadcast the call and kept the witness on the phone, so she could continue to report the suspects movements until officers arrived.

Just as the suspect was entering the bank, Officer Chris Adams and Officer Nicholas Peter arrived and confronted the man. While being frisked for a weapon, the officers recovered a .40 caliber Hi-Point pistol, with a loaded magazine.

Arrested is Milton D. Clark, 32, who gave an address of 25th Street Watervliet. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Dgr. and a variety of other charges. He was arraigned before East Greenbush Town Justice Kevin Engle at about 7:30 this evening and was remanded to the County Jail on $75,000 bail. His court case will continue on February 27th.