After a multi-agency manhunt, armed fugitive Collen J. Gardner, 48, was apprehended near Crown Point State Park on March 17. The search began on March 13 when a damaged vehicle linked to Gardner was found at the Westport Fish and Game Club, and he was identified as a registered sex offender wanted by Vermont State Police for parole violations. Gardner fired a shot at New York State DEC forest rangers during a chase, leading to a statewide alert and cautioning the public about his dangerous status. On March 17, he was found walking on Lake Champlain's ice toward Crown Point, and after dropping his rifle following police commands, he was arrested without incident. Gardner faces several charges, including menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, and attempted assault, and is being held at Essex County Jail without bail.
Senator Stec Votes NO on Prison Bill
