Hoosick Falls Police Department, NY

Public Safety Announcement:

We remember all those this day!

On Tuesday, Charleston (West Virginia) Police Officer Cassie Johnson responded to a report of an SUV parked in someone’s driveway. The driver of the vehicle got... into a verbal dispute with Officer Johnson when she arrived on location. At some point during the confrontation, the suspect pulled a gun and callously shot her in the face. Though gravely wounded, Cassie was able to draw her service weapon and get off two rounds which struck the suspect in his chest before she collapsed. For two days doctors worked tirelessly to save the officer, but it was eventually determined that Cassie’s wounds would be unsurvivable. She remained on life support so that her organs could be donated to help save others. She passed away at 4 P.M. yesterday afternoon. Patrolman Cassie Johnson was a three year veteran of law enforcement. She served as a Humane Officer for before joining the Charleston Police Department last January. Cassie was a devoted daughter, sister, friend and lover of all animals. Her unit number 146 was permanently retired with the Charleston Police Department. Officer Johnson was 28-years old. #cassiejohnson

Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen is saddened to announce the line of duty death of Trooper Jennifer M. Czarnecki. Trooper Czarnecki died on December 5, 202...0, from an illness stemming from her assignment to the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Following the events of 9/11, Trooper Czarnecki was assigned to aid with the search and recovery efforts in New York City as part of the New York State Police Detail. Trooper Czarnecki entered into retirement from the New York State Police on November 3, 2020, because of her worsening illness. During her 20 years of service, Trooper Czarnecki was assigned to Troops A and D. Trooper Czarnecki served in Troop A since 2003 and was last stationed at SP Boston. Trooper Czarnecki is survived by her husband, mother and brother.

Hoosick Falls Police Department has identified Nicholas Leonard age 34 of 13 First Street Hoosick Falls as the subject arrested by a joint investigation between Hoosick Falls Police, New York State Police and the Rensselaer County Sheriffs Department. He has been charged with Grand Larceny 4th and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. Leonard was identified as a suspect in a string of larcenies and stolen vehicles in and outside the Village. Items including fire arms, cross bows and tools have been located as a result of search warrants executed at his residence and vehicle. Additional charges will be filed with the court. He was arraigned in front of Judge Harold McClellan and remanded to the Rensselaer County Jail with no bail.

Hoosick Falls Police Department has been investigating a series of larcenies that have been occurring in and outside the Village. Jewerly, money and guns have been stolen. Over the past month the Police Department has recovered three vehicles that have been reported stolen. Two from outside the Village and one from the Village. An active investigation has been ongoing and a suspect was identified. Early Saturday morning a stolen vehicle was located and shortly after mem...bers of the Hoosick Falls Police Department, New York State Police and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop and the suspect was taken into custody. A search warrant was executed on the vehicle and at a residence in the village. Weapons that were reported stolen as well as other property were recovered. At the present time this and ongoing investigation and additional information will be released in the near future. Chief Bob Ashe