Troopers: Beaver Dams Man Arrested At Watkins Glen
On November 20, 2025, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Troopers from SP Montour Falls initiated a traffic stop on Baker Hill Road in the town of Dix after observing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and operating without plate lamps.
Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply and continued northbound on State Route 414 before turning onto Mill Hill Road. The vehicle, a Ford F-150, then turned onto Meads Hill Road and subsequently entered a Watkins Glen International access driveway. The operator exited the truck, went under a gate, and attempted to flee on foot.
Troopers pursued the suspect and, after a brief foot chase, took the individual—identified as Brandon M. Bennett, age 47, of Beaver Dams, NY, into custody without further incident.
Subsequent to an investigation, a bolt-action rifle with a spotlight taped to the barrel was recovered unsecured in the front passenger seat with one round chambered and two rounds in the magazine. A shotgun was also located in the rear floorboard during an inventory of the vehicle.
Bennett was transported to SP Montour Falls for processing and taken to Schuyler County Jail for CAP arraignment.
Bennett was charged with the following:
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd: Previous Conviction (D Felony)
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (A Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor)
- Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor)
- Trespass (Violation)
This is an ongoing investigation.
Troopers: Two Men Arrested During A Burglary
On November 20, 2025, at approximately 12:15 a.m., Troopers from SP Horseheads, while on routine patrol, observed a 2004 GMC pickup truck parked at a property located on County Route 60 in the town of Chemung.
Troopers contacted the property owner through the Chemung County Communications Center, who confirmed that no individuals or vehicles were permitted on the premises. Chemung County Sheriff’s Office units responded to assist.
While checking the building, Troopers and Deputies located two individuals actively cutting copper piping from the ceiling. The suspects were identified as Alexander J. Root, age 30, of Elmira, NY, and Austin M. Smith-Halpin, age 26, of Elmira, NY.
Both suspects were detained without incident and secured in patrol vehicles. Additional units from the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, Elmira Heights Police Department, and Waverly Police Department assisted in searching the remainder of the building. No further suspects were located.
The suspects were transported to SP Horseheads and processed without incident.
Root and Smith-Halpin were each charged with:
• Burglary 3rd (D Felony)
Both suspects were arraigned in the Town of Chemung Court and released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to reappear on December 17, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Steuben County Deputies Talk With Prattsburgh Central School Students About Law Enforcement
From Sheriff Jim Allard: On Wednesday, November 19, 2025 two of our deputies visited the high school students at Prattsburgh Central School to talk about careers in law enforcement!
Deputies Schafer and Phelps shared insights into their daily responsibilities, the skills needed for the job, and the many ways officers serve their communities.
Bath VA Thanks Canisteo-Greenwood Students
From CG Central: Canisteo-Greenwood Elementary students hosted a Veteran’s Day assembly and made cards for local veterans in our area. The soldiers at the Bath VA created this card in appreciation of the heartfelt messages they received. They thanked the elementary students for all their support and encouraged them to keep up the great work in school. Their message was: Study hard, pay attention, and remember to be kind to each other. We are grateful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Bath Police: Corning Man Charged With Bath Burglary
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