Oneonta Police Searching For Suspects In Rash Of Vehicle Thefts

At least ten vehicles have been stolen in the City of Oneonta since the beginning of the year.

Oneonta Police Chief Chris Witzenburg tells CNY News “This has been a significant, a notable increase from what we’ve seen compared to last year.”

The thefts are not limited to any one location or category of locations.

“They can be taken from anywhere,” Witzenburg went on to say. “We’ve had vehicles taken from convenience store parking lots, we’ve had them taken off the street, and from driveways.”

“As far as what’s driving vehicle thefts, most of these are crimes of opportunity. Most of these vehicles were left unlocked with keys in the vehicle. In some instances the vehicles were actually running.”

There have been no arrests in most of the cases. “In one case the vehicle was recovered but the owner did not want the suspect prosecuted,” Witzenburg said.

However, in the most serious case the suspect was alleged to have committed multiple felonies.

Anthony Masi was accused of stealing a vehicle from Spruce Street. There was a police pursuit that ended near Deposit, almost 50 miles away.

According to the New York State Police, the 29 year old Masi is accused of criminal possession of stolen property and first degree assault.

In the assault charge, Masi is alleged to have attacked a woman with a machete-type knife.

Earlier this year Masi was arrested on the assault charges and locked up in the Otsego County jail. Bail set at $50,000 cash or $500,000 bond.

10 Most Common Traffic Violations In New York State

Traffic tickets can be annoying. Also, keep in mind that traffic tickets can carry fines and points on your driving record. Here's a look at the 10 most common traffic violations in all of New York State thanks to CDH Law PLLC.

17 New Laws in New York You Should Know

The New Year brings with it a host of new laws for Empire State residents. Here are nearly 20 that may impact you in 2022.

The 35 Most Dangerous Counties in New York State

15 Old Upstate Public Buildings That Have Been Magically Transformed

There are many old pubic buildings in Upstate New York that, after they served their original purposes, have been magically transformed for newer uses. An old train caboose is now an Airbnb overnight suite. A steamship coal tower is now a scenic restaurant. An early vintage firehouse is now a popular bar and book shop in the Hudson Valley. A 1940s Chevrolet car dealership showroom is a popular Rochester coffee shop. Take a look at some of these magical transformations! It just goes to show you that everything old (can be) is new again!

These Tiny Upstate Villages Each Has An Amazing Historical Footnote

Each of the 13 villages on this list has less than 1,000 residents. Still, they all have something worth stopping by for a visit too. Something historic, fun, or just plain fascinating, each is worth a side trip. Visit the Three Bears in Ovid (pop. 602). You won't see that anywhere else in the U.S. Stop and say hello to TV stars "The Beekman Boys" in Sharon Springs (pop. 558). And why is the National Abolition Museum and Hall of Fame in Peterboro (pop.176)? Each of these tiny map dots have a great story to tell.