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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of January 30 – February 5, 2026

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter, Police Blotter.

Blotter Report 

January 21- 28 

January 21, 2026. 10:47 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 21, 2026. 12:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Johnstown resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 21, 2026. 1:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Jan. 7, 2026. 

January 22, 2026. 2:09 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saint Johnsville resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 2:50 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Albany resident on Lake Avenue on charges of 4th degree criminal possession of stolen property- possession of a stolen credit card and 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 22, 2026. 8:27 a.m.-  Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Lake Avenue on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 8:48 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Clifton Park resident on Broadway on charges of public lewdness.

January 22, 2026. 10:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Southbury, CT resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 11:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Bronx resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief- intent to damage property and misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- threatened by telephone/ no legitimate purpose. 

January 22, 2026. 2:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 4:33 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 4:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property > $250. Released on own recognizance. 

January 22, 2026. 8:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 8:46 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Providence on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 10:02 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Fort Edward resident on South Broadway on charges of 3rd degree assault- with intent to cause physical injury, criminal obstruction on breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure, act in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and petit larceny. 

January 22, 2026. 10:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more- first offense, misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of controlled substance and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher, no priors. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 22, 2026. 11:27 p.m.- Saratoga Police arrested a Rock City Falls resident on Marion Ave on charges of 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

January 23, 2026. 2:28 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Porters Corners resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor aggravated 2nd degree harassment- communicate threat by phone/computer/mail. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 23, 2026. 4:40 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on Dec. 2, 2025 in the Town of Wilton.

January 23, 2026. 8:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 23, 2026. 9:15 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a South Glens resident on Ballston Avenue on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and equipment violation- no/insufficient taillights. 

January 23, 2026. 11:38 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

January 24, 2026. 12:02- 12:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested two Schenectady residents in the Town of Clifton Park. The first was charged with two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. They were held without bail.  The second was charged with four counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 24, 2026. 2:18 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 3:50 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Central arraignment. Original incident occurred in the Town of Queensbury on Nov. 24, 2025. 

January 24, 2026. 4:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glenns Falls in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation- registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 5:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Queensbury on charges of misdemeanor 3rd aggravated degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 24, 2026. 6:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. 

January 25, 2026. 12:12 a.m. – 12:24.- New York State Police arrested two Saratoga Springs and a Schenectady resident in the Town of Clifton Park. The first Saratoga Springs and Schenectady residents were both charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance tickets issued. The second Saratoga Springs resident was charged with misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor false personation. Turned over to another agency. 

January 25, 2026. 3:32 a.m.- Saratoga Springs police arrested a Rensselaer resident on Church Street on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

January 25, 2026. 6:19 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on Sparrow Lane on charges of criminal mischief: intent to damage property. 

January 25, 2026. 11:36 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Ballston resident on Church Street on charges of assault with intent to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/nurse/Crossing Guard, 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and 2nd degree harassment- physical contact. 

January 26, 2026. 12:27 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon: previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function. 

January 26, 2026. 12:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon- previous conviction, felony unlawful wearing of body armor, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor 2nd degree obstruction of governmental administration- prevent official function and felony assault 2- with intent to cause injury to officer/fireman/EMT/nurse/crossing guard. Cash bail. 

January 26, 2026. 3:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cohoes resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of DWI- first offense and aggravated DWI: BAC of .18 or higher- no priors. Released to third party. Incident occurred after a crash on route 87 in the Town of Malta. 

January 26, 2026. 7:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Slingerlands juvenile in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree criminal contempt- disobey court order, misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor criminal mischief: reckless property damage greater than $250. Family court appearance ticket issued. Incident stemmed from a single vehicle crash on I-87. 

Anthony Ralph Strollo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WIMAUMA, FL – Anthony Ralph Strollo (“Tony”), 82, of Wimauma, Florida, and previously Loudonville, New York, passed away in Florida on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his five sons.   Services were held on Thursday, January 29, at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Rd, Loudonville, NY 12211.   Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Sharon Victoria Smith

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT – Sharon Victoria Smith passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded bedside by the love of her family.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, January 27, at St. Clement’s Church.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

James H. Smith

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT – James H. Smith, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at home on January 18, 2026, with his loving wife by his side.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday January 30, at The Church of Saint Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Shirley Ann Mederski

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Shirley Ann Mederski, age 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Saint Clement’s Church. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Alice Tenbeau

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Alice Tenbeau passed  away on January 19, 2026. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Peter who passed away November 18, 2025. There will be no services at this time. A joint celebration of Alice and Peters’ lives will be held in the future; details will be published when available. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Patricia-Ann Lee

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Patricia-Ann Lee, 94, died peacefully January 21, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday,  April 25, 2026, at the Woodlawn Commons Saratoga Room, 156 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. Donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Wesley Foundation at https://www.thewesleycommunity.org/wesley-foundation.

Charles Henry Harrison

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

STILLWATER, NY – Charles Henry Harrison, 81, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on January 26, 2026.

Born on December 25, 1944, in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Henry Charles Harrison and Edna Mae Carleton. A lifelong resident of the Saratoga area, Charles—known to most as “Chuck”—was deeply rooted in his community and its traditions.

After graduating from Saratoga High School, Chuck proudly served in the United States Coast Guard.

For many years, Chuck was the owner and operator of Charles H. Harrison Used Cars, a family-run business that he built with dedication and hard work. Chuck wholesaled and sold cars all over the county and cultivated many relationships. He was well respected in the car business and was known for his honesty and integrity. He was especially proud to work alongside his son and grandsons, whose support meant the world to him.

Chuck’s true passion, however, was harness horse racing. He dedicated much of his life to the sport at and around Saratoga Harness Track, where he was a familiar and respected presence. Working closely with his longtime trainer and friend, Scott Mongeon, the two men had more than the average owner and trainer relationship, they were more like father and son. They were family. The two enjoyed remarkable success, earning numerous Horse of the Year and Trotter of the Year honors. Among his most notable horses were Future Falcon N and By the Book, achievements he took great pride in and loved talking about with fellow horsemen and friends. Mr. Harrison donated in 2017 a retire harness horse “Most fun Yet” who is now named Apollo to the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Apollo retired in 2025. This link gives the whole story of Apollo. https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/retired-racehorse-now-duty-saratoga

Despite his many accomplishments in racing, Chuck’s greatest joy came from time spent with his family and friends, whose company he cherished above all else.

He was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters, Beverly Gabnoue and Shirley Graham.

Survivors include his son, Mark Harrison (Brandy) of Hague, NY; his daughter, Julie Harrison (Darreyl Bullard) of Ballston Spa; grandchildren Bradley (Maggie) Harrison, Olivia Harrison (John), Adam Harrison, Ashley Harrison (Dylan), Tyler Bullard (Liz), and Kiara Bullard; great-grandchildren Aurora and Evelyn and his special friend, Debbie Snyder

Friends and family may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday February 1, 2026, at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday February 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family plot at the Village of Ballston Spa Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to the New Vocations Race Horse Adoption Program https://www.newvocations.org/ or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences and the full obituary may be found at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

Saratoga Unitarian Universalist Congregation Receives New Interim Pastor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Melissa O’Brien will take over as pastor of the Saratoga Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

Melissa O’Brien has been appointed Interim Pastor of the Saratoga Unitarian Universalist congregation, returning to serve the community where she was raised.

 O’Brien grew up in Saratoga Springs and attended Lake Avenue Elementary School and Saratoga Springs High School before continuing her education at St. Lawrence University, then earning a Master of Education from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in pastoral care from Fordham University.

 Her professional background includes work as a hospital and hospice chaplain, Congregational minister, teacher, writer, and community leader. 

In her interim role, O’Brien will focus on strengthening congregational life, supporting lay leadership, and guiding the community through a period of transition and discernment as they prepare for a dynamic new chapter in the life of their congregation, including the construction of a gorgeous new meeting house on Louden Road in Saratoga. O’Brien will serve the congregation for the next six months.

 “I’m very much looking forward to being back in my hometown, near friends and family, and engaging with this great group that has deep ties and meaningful history here,” O’Brien said. “We are living in a time when spiritual connection to self and neighbors are more important than ever. I look forward to doing the important work of building community and, hopefully, inspiring others to fill this world with more love, acts of kindness and joy.”

Racing Museum Offering Bus Trip to Aqueduct for Wood Memorial Day

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders are partnering on a bus trip to the Aqueduct Racetrack for Wood Memorial Stakes Day on Saturday, April 4.

This year’s edition of the Wood Memorial—a Grade 2 race for 3-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail—will be the final time the event is held at Aqueduct before moving to the new Belmont Park in 2027.

Tickets are now on sale at https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/Aqueduct-Bus-Trip.