All Over Albany

Many local bridges in less than good condition, fatal shooting on Grand Street in Albany, new plan for Troy snow removal

A Times Union analysis of state bridge data concludes that more than a third of the bridges in the Capital Region are rated as being in less than good condition -- but many of them are owned by local governments and money to fix the spans is hard to find. A small union rally in Clifton Park Sunday was intended to draw attention to "the state's crumbling infrastructure." [TU] [Daily Gazette]

A Times Union analysis of campaign contributions made by engineering firms to local politicians concludes that many firms donate to the party in the power, apparently in an attempt to maintain consulting contracts with towns -- a situation that has created close ties between some firms and local governments. [TU]

Prompted by the recent death of a homeless woman, apparently from exposure on a cold night, there's now a plan in Saratoga Springs for a "Code Blue" program -- an emergency shelter for homeless people will be opened on very cold nights, with free transportation available. The plan was headed up by mayor-elect Joanne Yepsen and local aid orgs. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]

A local emergency department physician on the apparent recent surge in heroin use: "It's dropped in cost, the cost of [prescription] pills have gone up in cost and the access to pills has gone down." [Daily Gazette]

Colonie police say a standoff Friday night on Consaul Road (map) was prompted by a domestic violence call, a report that a man had stabbed a woman, was armed with a gun, and was threatening to kill people. CPD says the man exited the home and pointed a gun at officers and an officer fired at the man, missing. CPD says there was a shot inside the home after that. The woman, who suffered stab wounds to the leg, was able to escape with her father. Police eventually forced the man out of the house with tear gas. Timothy Anatriello Jr., 24, now faces a string of charges. [CPD] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TWCN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]

Albany police are investigating a shooting on Grand Street (map) Monday morning. One person was taken to AMC, no word on condition. Update: Here's the APD press release about the incident. The man shot has died. It's the 7th homicide of the year in Albany. [TU] [TWCN] [APD FB] [TWCN] [TU]

The federal prosecutor who's been pursuing public corruption cases in New York State is trying to go after the pension benefits of politicians convicted of corruption. [TU]

The most frequent call to Schenectady police, according to the department's chief: domestic violence. [Daily Gazette]

Troy mayor Lou Rosamilia says the city is working up a plan for using some sort of snow emergency approach to clear roads during the next large snow storm. (The city hasn't called a snow emergency since the last century.) [TU] [Troy Record 2009]

The city of Schenectady is trying to figure out how sewer overflows are getting into the Mohawk River -- city employees have literally been searching for old, forgotten pipes or manholes that might be allowing the river and sewage to mix during high river levels. [Daily Gazette]

An Albany 19 year old, hailed as a hero for his actions in saving a baby from under a bus at age 14, now faces multiple drug, burglary, and larceny charges. [TU]

There's been a rash of shoplifting reports in East Greenbush. [TU]

New York State is moving toward banning about 70 plants considered to be invasive -- including some that are popular landscaping species. [TU]

Former Schenectady city council member Barbara Blanchard will be honored Monday for her many efforts to help the city over the last 25 years, including the Schenectady Greenmarket. [Daily Gazette]

The winning entry at a Health Data Codeathon sponsored by the state at RPI: An app that allows people to get health info about diabetes via text. [TU]

A 6th grade teacher at a Schenectady elementary school has been helping students with their homework via Twitter, texting, and narrated videos. [Daily Gazette]

Points to the TU's Kristen Brown for writing the usual "people are shopping at the mall for the holidays" story in verse similar to "A visit from St. Nick." [TU]
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CPD: Incident on Consaul Road

On 12-20-13 at 8:26 pm The Colonie Police Department responded to 89 Consaul Road for a report that a female had been stabbed in the residence and a male was armed with a shotgun and knife threatening to harm everyone in the residence. While Patrol Units were in the process of surrounding the house, the male subject exited the residence, armed with a long gun, and ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon. When the male pointed the long gun at nearby officers, a Patrol Sergeant fired one shot at the male. That shot missed and the male retreated into the house. The male refused repeated commands to surrender and the Colonie Police Special Services Team (SWAT Team) responded to assist. A short time later, the father and the girlfriend of the male subject did exit the house. The father was uninjured, but the girlfriend did suffer from three small stab wounds to the leg and contusions to the face and head. The girlfriend was transported by Colonie EMS to Albany Medical Center Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Nearby residents were evacuated to the Midway Fire House or were advised to seek shelter in their basements. Consaul Road between New Karner Road and Watervliet-Shaker Road had to be closed for several hours, but is now open.

Colonie Police Negotiators made numerous attempts by telephone and Police Public Address System to contact the male subject, but all were unsuccessful. The Special Services Team used CS Tear Gas and the male subject did exit the residence and was taken into custody without further incident. The Colonie Police Department was assisted by Colonie EMS, Midway Fire Department, New York State Police, Niskayuna Police and the Guilderland Police. The investigation is on-going and more information will be released later in the day. The media will be notified by press release when more information is available and a Colonie Police Department representative is available for interview.

The following subject was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned later this morning in Colonie Justice Court.

Defendant:
Timothy J. Anatriello Jr. - age 24
89 Consaul Road

Charges:
Felonies: Assault 2nd
Misdemeanors: Assault 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, Reckless Endangerment 2nd, Unlawful Imprisonment 1st, Menacing 2nd (2 counts)