Authorities have successfully apprehended an armed fugitive, Collen Gardner, following a multi-day search in Essex County. The New York State Police had issued a warning on Friday, stating that Gardner, 48, was armed and dangerous and last believed to be in a wooded area near Mountain Springs Road in Westport. Gardner was first spotted on March 11th at the Westport Fish and Game Club before fleeing into the surrounding woods, sparking an extensive search. On Saturday afternoon, State Police confirmed that Gardner was taken into custody without incident. Gardner, a registered sex offender, had violated his parole in Vermont, prompting the search by Vermont State Police.
Protest at Clinton County Government Center
