Cuomo blasts US Senate on gun control legislation, NanoCollege to buy Kiernan Plaza, Glenville detective accused of road rage, $2 million to help Schenectady
Andrew Cuomo is calling the US Senate's failure to pass legislation expanding background checks for gun purchases,"a sad statement on the power of extremists to stand in the way of reason and common sense. " [Capitol Confidential]
A group of 50 students and gun safety advocates banded together to protest the Saratoga City Center's hosting of gun shows Wednesday, arguing the center doesn't have the proper insurance for the shows. [TU]
The Albany Police Officers Union has come out against the NY SAFE Act, arguing it "violates fundamental Constitutional rights." [Capitol Confidential.]
A recent Quinnipiac Poll shows Andrew Cuomo's approval rating is 57 percent, but he's less popular upstate than in New York city. The poll reported 9 out of 10 NY voters think corruption is a serious problem in New York, and three quarters of respondents say legislative leaders' efforts to clean it up are not so good or poor. [TU][NYT]
David Soares says he's encouraged that Andrew Cuomo has rolled out an anti-corruption package, but says local DAs will need resources to enforce the rules. [TU]
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is planning to buy Kiernan Plaza in downtown Albany in a deal that will make use of eminent domain. [TU]
A Malta woman who recorded video from the finish line of the Boston Marathon has shared her footage with the FBI.[WNYT]
A Glenville police detective is charged with menacing in connection with a road rage incident in which he allegedly got out of his car and pointed his gun at two peoplein another car. [TU]
East Greenbush police have arrested a 17 year old Nassau man who is one of three suspects in armed robberies on Columbia Turnpike last weekend. [East Greenbush Police Press Release]
Colonie police say an officer Tasered a man during a foot chase in Loudonville Wednesday after a traffic stop. CPD says the man discarded a gun during the chase and was found with pot. [CPD]
Albany County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a 25-year old Bethlehem man on weapons and drug charges after they say they found firearms and cocaine at his home.[YNN]
The Skidmore College student arrested in 2010 for an alleged hate crime at a Saratoga diner has been arrested again, for allegedly stealing billiard sticks and pool supplies and failing to pay a $24 taxi fare. [WNYT]
Guilderland police arrested a Poughkeepsie man who allegedly stole a diamond and a ring setting from Northeastern Fine Jewelry on Tuesday. [YNN]
The Rensselaer County Sheriff's Department has identified the body found in Schaghticoke on Friday as that of Kristian A. Pelletier, a 46-year-old Mechanicville man. The exact cause of death is still under investigation, but the sheriff's department says that foul play does not appear to be a factor.[TU] [Record]
Residents of Ida Yarbourough homes met with the Albany Common Council's public safety committee on Wednesday asking that the type of police training that occurred in their neighborhood last month not be allowed in any residential neighborhoods.[YNN]
Peter Martin, the Saratoga Springs resident selected by Andrew Cuomo to replace Kathy Marchione as Saratoga County Clerk, was sworn in on Wednesday.[Saratogian]
The head of the Schenectady Foundation -- a charitable organization that normally gives out small grants -- says the org will celebrate its 50th anniversary by donating $1 million to a community project that will make a "significant transformative change" in the city. The foundation will also give out $1 million in smaller grants. [YNN][TU][Gazette]
TroypPastor Willie Bacote is leaving the Collar City for South Carolina. Bacote became well known for efforts like free Thanksgiving dinners, lunches for kids. and anti-violence rallies . [Record] [WNYT]
UAlbany President Robert Jones got a tour of Albany County on Wednesday.[YNN]
The Saratoga City Center brought in $889,000 in revenue in 2012 -- a 22 percent increase over 2011. [Saratogian]
A retired professor is recruiting volunteers to help get Schenectady preschoolers ready for kindergarten. [Gazette]
How legislators are dealing with the recent scandals at the Capitol: a little dark humor and a little wire frisking. [NYT]
_____
CPD: Traffic Stop leads to an Arrest for Possession of a Handgun
On 04-15-13 at 9:12pm, Colonie Police Department Patrol Officer Louis DiNuzzo stopped a vehicle on Loudon Road near Glennon Road after observing the vehicle drifting into the median and having items hanging from the rear view mirror obstructing the driver's view. During the traffic stop, the officer learned that the vehicle's registration showed a suspension from the Department of Motor Vehicles for an insurance lapse. While interviewing the defendant about the insurance issue, the officer smelled marijuana and observed the defendant to grab at his waistband area. Fearing that he had a weapon, the officer attempted to further check the defendant, but he fled on foot. The officer gave chase and observed the defendant to be holding his waistband and also throwing items while running away. The officer caught the defendant near 1 Old Loudon Road, but he refused to comply with the officer's commands. The officer deployed his Taser and was able to restrain the defendant until back-up officers arrived and assisted to get him handcuffed. Following the arrest, the defendant was found to have discarded a .38 Smith and Wesson Revolver and a .38 live round. The officers also located three small bags of marijuana in the defendant's pocket and a can of OC Pepper Spray in the defendant's vehicle.
The defendant was arraigned in Colonie Justice Court and remanded to Albany County Correctional Facility until his next appearance on 04-17-13 at 6:00pm in Colonie Justice Court
Defendant:
Steven M. James - age 38
152 Mccarty Avenue #2 Albany, NY
Charges:
Criminal Possession of Weapon 2nd and 3rd, felonies
Resisting Arrest and Unlawful Possession of a Noxious Matter, misdemeanors
Unlawful Possession of Marijuana, violation
Operating a Motor Vehicle while Registration Suspended, misdemeanor
Moved from Lane Unsafely and Driver's View Obstructed, traffic infractions
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?