On January 13, 2025, at approximately 10:56am, a school resource officer with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a suspicious object found in the parking lot of Kerhonkson Elementary School by school staff. Upon inspection, the object and markings on the pavement appeared unusual, prompting the deputy to secure the area and notify school officials. An explosive detection K9 was deployed, and a comprehensive search of the property revealed no hazardous materials.
The school district subsequently opted to evacuate and dismiss students early in anticipation of a substantial law enforcement response. Multiple agencies, including the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Hudson Valley Arson and Explosives Task Force, and Ulster County Department of Emergency Management, were called to the scene to investigate. The Kerhonkson Fire Department also assisted with traffic control.
Further analysis identified the object as the remains of a flashlight that had been intentionally burned. Additional charred debris, including a can, cardboard, paper towel, and an article of clothing, was also found in the parking lot, all determined to have been intentionally set on fire. Investigators determined that two individuals had accessed the school property on multiple occasions during the night of January 11, 2025, and ignited several small fires.
Through an extensive investigation, the suspects were identified as juveniles. Due to their age, no further details about their identities have been released. It was confirmed that no fires were set near the school building, which was unoccupied at the time. The incident was classified as an isolated case of reckless behavior involving fire. School officials were informed of the investigation’s findings and the individuals involved.
The juveniles will be referred to Ulster County Family Court. Agencies assisting in the investigation included the Hudson Valley Arson and Explosives Task Force, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York State Police, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force – Albany, Kerhonkson Fire Department, Ulster County Department of Emergency Management, Ulster County Fire Coordinator, and Saugerties Police K9.
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