Town of Colchester Police Department

04/25/2026

Public Announcement:

Be advised that it is illegal to park on the bridge on State Highway 30 and Main Street. We have received complaints recently about the difficulty to safely travel through that section and for State DOT to operate especially in the winter. It is a safety hazard.

So moving forward if folks could please avoid parking on the bridge or parking tickets will have to be issued.

Thank you for your cooperation.

04/10/2026

Press Release:

March Arrests:

3/1/2026- Remus Iliescu- 2/6/2002 of Roscoe, NY
Charged with Assault 3rd degree- Class A Misdemeanor

3/1/2026- Aiman H. Abujudeh- 9/5/1977 of Newark, NJ
Charged with Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer- Class A Misdemeanor
Obstruction of Government Administration 2nd- Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Traffic Summons- Speed in Zone, Failure to Keep Right, Driving left of Pavement Markings, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, Illegal Signal

3/12/2026- Joseph A. Coburn- 7/31/1968 of Maryland, NY
Charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Traffic Summons for Unlicensed Operator, Speed in 55 MPH Zone

3/18/2026- Megan M. Lawson- 7/8/1986 of East Branch, NY
Charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Operating a Motor Vehicle while Registration Suspended- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Traffic Summons- Operating a Motor Vehicle without insurance, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Uninspected Motor Vehicle

3/22/2026- Stephen T. Pagan- 9/18/2006- Staten Island, NY
Charged with Possession of a Forged Instrument- Class A Misdemeanor

3/27/2026- Don Castillo- 7/7/1999 of Middletown, NY
Charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd- Unclassified Misdemeanor
Traffic Summons- Unlicensed Operator, Moved from lane Unsafely

03/09/2026

For your information:

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Colchester. This is the first laboratory confirmed positive case of rabies in Delaware County in 2026.
A rabid raccoon exposed two dogs in the town of Colchester. The raccoon was sent for testing to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory. There were no human exposures. Both dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and received a booster. Colchester free rabies vaccination clinic is on March 18th from 5:00PM to 6:30PM at the Colchester Highway Garage, 6292 River Rd, Downsville, NY 13755.
Once infected, rabies is a virus that has 100% fatality rate when left untreated, in mammals including humans. Public Health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:
• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife
• Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating your domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.
• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact.
• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
• Do not feed strays. According to Public Health Law an owner is defined as any person keeping, harboring, or having charge or control of or permitting any dog, cat or domesticated ferret to remain on or be lodged or fed within such person’s house yard or premises.
• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.
• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.
• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
• If a pet not up to date on its rabies vaccinations comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabid animal the pet must be quarantined for six months.
• Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.
Exposure to rabies can be fatal for a human or a pet. Be sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccinated pets serve as a buffer between rabid wildlife and man. Protect them, and you may reduce your risk of exposure to rabies.
Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of any of the free remaining rabies clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets in Delaware County. Pre-registration is suggested for all clinics. You can pre-register at http://health.ny.gov/go2clinic
• Downsville – March 18, 2026, 5PM-6:30PM, Colchester Highway Garage, 6292 River Rd, Downsville, NY 13755
• Sidney-May 4, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM, Sidney Fire Hall: 74 River St. Sidney, NY 13838
• Hancock- May 11, 2026, 5:30-7:30PM Hancock Town Hall, 661 West Main St. Hancock, NY 13783
• Franklin- June 1, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM Franklin Fire Hall, 351 Main St., Franklin, NY 13775
• Margaretville- June 11, 2026, 4PM-6PM *New Location* Margaretville Fire Hall, 77 Church Street, Margaretville, NY 12455
• Roxbury- June 25, 2026, 4PM-6PM Roxbury Highway Garage, 52508 State Highway 30, Roxbury, NY 12474
• Walton-July 13, 2026, 5 PM- 7 PM, First Baptist Church, 55 Townsend St, Walton, NY 13856
• Delhi- August 12, 2026, 5 PM-7 PM Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extn. Delhi, NY 13753
• Stamford-September 9, 2026, 5 PM- 7 PM Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main St. Stamford, NY 12167
• Deposit- October 5, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM *New Location* DPW Garage 192 Front St, Deposit, NY 13754
To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200. For more information call 607-832-5200 or visit our website at www.delawarecountypublichealth.com

03/09/2026

Our condolences to the Pennsylvania State Police and to the family of Cpl. O’Connor with this tragic loss. Thank you for your service.

The members of the New York State Police mourn the tragic loss of Corporal Timothy O’Connor of the Pennsylvania State Police, who was killed in the line of duty on March 8, 2026.

As neighboring agencies who often work side by side, we share a close bond with our colleagues in Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow troopers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Trooper. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

03/04/2026

Press Release:

February Arrests

2/5/2026- Kelli Adamson of Downsville, NY for Class A Misdemeanor, Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 7th Degree and Class A Misdemeanor, Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

2/6/2026- Andrew Horton of Roscoe, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration is Suspended. As well as issued Traffic Tickets issued.

2/12/2026- Guy Delva of New Rochelle, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration is Suspended. As well as issued Traffic Tickets issued.

2/15/2026- Julibel Cedeno-Ramirez of Bridgeport, CT for the Unclassified Misdemeanor Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd degree and issued Traffic Tickets.

2/17/2026- Christopher Barnes of Downsville, NY for the Class A Misdemeanor Petit Larceny and the Violation of Trespass.

2/17/2026- Kordell Waiters of Syracuse, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated and the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC of .18% or higher. As well as Traffic Tickets issued.

2/18/2026- James A. Amato of Downsville, NY for the Violation of Harassment 2nd Degree.

2/20/2026- Daniel Degrechie of Rockaway Beach, NY for the Class A Misdemeanor of Possession of a Forged Instrument 3rd degree.

2/22/2026- Diamon Herndon- of Syracuse, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd degree as well as Traffic Tickets issued.

2/25/2026- Carlin Dauphin of Jacksonville, NC for the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 2nd degree as well as traffic tickets issued.

02/04/2026

Press Release:

January Arrests:

1/2/2026- Patricia Schultz-52 of Margaretville, NY was charged with the Unclassified Misdemeanor Operating a Motor Vehicle while registration is suspended.

1/7/2026- Jonathan D. Vasquez Contreras- 47 of Yonkers, NY was charged with the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Operating a Motor Vehicle while registration is suspended.

1/9/2026- James A. Amato- 50 of Downsville, NY was charged with the Class A Misdemeanor of Aggravated Harassment 2nd.

1/18/2026- Jacon T. Ercole- 18 of Brewster, NY was charged with the violation of Unlawful Possession of Cannabis.

1/30/2026- Benjamin Franklin- 67 of Central Islip, NY was charged with the Unclassified Misdemeanors Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd degree and Operating a Motor Vehicle While Registration is Suspended.

1/30/2026- Elijah N. Williams- 21 of Walden, NY was charged with the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 2nd degree.

01/25/2026

SHERIFF DUMOND ISSUES NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL ADVISORY

As the winter storm continues to inundate our region, Delaware County Sheriff Craig S. DuMond has issued a NO UNNECESSARY TRAVEL ADVISORY for all Delaware County roads, effective immediately and lasting until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26th, 2026.

No Unnecessary Travel: Means that the roads are still open, but that hazardous driving conditions do exist, and no unnecessary travel should take place. Out of an abundance of caution, residents are strongly urged to remain off roadways to allow plow crews to operate safely and efficiently, and avoid placing themselves or 1st Responders at risk.

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office does not determine whether individuals are required to report to work.

If you must travel, please drive carefully and ensure your vehicle is completely cleared of snow and ice to maintain proper visibility.

Please DO NOT call 911 for road closures or road condition updates. Residents are instead encouraged to monitor local news outlets and official law enforcement social media platforms for the latest information.

01/24/2026

Everyone please stay safe with the intended storm coming tomorrow. If you do not have to travel, please avoid doing so. If you do have to travel it is highly advised you give yourself time and to use state roadways as much as possible. Remember County Highways 7 and 26 are not fully maintained after 8pm, so if you can avoid these roadways on your travels please do so. This will keep you, other travelers, and first responders a little safer. Lastly be patient and courteous when approaching a plow truck. If it isn’t for them you are not getting to your destination.

We hope everyone stays safe and warm.

PRESS RELEASE:

WINTER WEATHER WARNING

01/10/2026

Press Release:

On January 9th, Colchester Police received a complaint of an individual texting harassing threats of violence against another.

During the investigation officers identified James A. Amato, 50yrs old of Downsville, NY as the individual sending the text messages in which he was implying that he was going to cause serious physical harm or death to another.

Officers were informed that Amato might be in possession of a firearm and did not appear to be in a safe mental state.

Officers from the Colchester Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office went to Amato’s residence in an attempt to take him into custody. After several attempts to get in contact with Amato and to get him to exit his residence, he still refused to exit his residence.

Due to this officers closed down Linsley Ave and notified Downsville Central School of police activity in the area.

Colchester Police submitted for an Extreme Risk Protection Order Search Warrant to Amato’s residence, which was granted.

With the assistance of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Walton Police Department. The search warrant was conducted on Amato’s residence and he was located inside the residence and taken into custody.

Amato was first transported for a Mental Health Evaluation and was then charged with the class A Misdemeanor of Aggravated Harassment 2nd degree and was taken to the Delaware County Correctional Facility to await his arraignment at the County Central Arraignment Court, so an order of protection could be put into place.

Thank you to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Walton Police Department, Delaware County 911, AMR, and Downsville EMS for their assistance during this incident.

Thank you to the public for your cooperation during this matter.

01/09/2026

Attention:

Police Activity on Linsley Ave, please at this time avoid the area until further notice.

UPDATE:

The incident on Linsley Ave has been resolved and everything is safe in the area.

Thank you for everyone’s cooperation. A press release will be released on the matter soon.

01/06/2026

Press Release:
December 2025 Arrests-

12/4/2025- Thomas J. Ravenell- Brooklyn, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor, Suspended Registration

12/6/2025- Phillip Patskovskiy- Hastings Hudson, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanors, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd degree and Suspended Registration and multiple traffic summons.

12/14/2025- Charles P. James- Central Islip, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Suspended registration and multiple traffic summons.

12/17/2025- Christopher A. Williams- Livingston Manor, NY for the Unclassified Misdemeanor of Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 3rd degree and Traffic Summons as well.

12/18/2025- Travis M. Amato- East Branch, NY for the Class D felony of Grand Larceny 3rd degree.