CRIME: Troopers, volunteers on lookout for pranksters
Staff Reports The Tonawanda News
State police and volunteers all over the state will be out in force today and Saturday in an attempt to safeguard the State Thruway from Halloween pranks.
Major Robert Meyers said Troop T, which exclusively monitors the Thruway, will be looking for unusual activity that poses a danger to travelers. Sgt. Charles Stumpf said the “Pumpkin Patrol,” as it is called, usually means keeping a close eye on areas where the highway goes under a bridge.
“Our main concern is people throwing stuff off the overpasses, rocks, apples, stuff like that,” Stumpf said.
In the past, Stumpf said he’s seen even larger items, like cinder blocks and lawnmower engines, thrown onto the roadway. So in addition to looking for drunk drivers and those not wearing seatbelts, Troop T will be looking for pranksters.
Local amateur radio operators will also be in on the observation efforts since they have the tools to communicate quickly and efficiently with law enforcement.
“They’re well organized,” Stumpf said. “Each group has its own control center, so (volunteers) can call in to them or call us directly with their cell phones if they see anything suspicious.”
Michael Fleisher, executive director of the Thruway Authority, said he’s thankful for the increased attention this time of year.
“Seemingly harmless pranks can quickly turn into tragedy, and the Pumpkin Patrols across the state help deter this type of activity,” he said.
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