On Friday evening, septcember 5, a message was posted to the Facebook page of the Ulster County Sheriff’s office that caught some attention in New Paltz: It advised that deputies were “currently conducting a police operation on Plattekill Avenue … There is no threat to public safety at this time. However, please avoid traveling through the area until further notice.”
The activity was noticed by some who live and work in the area, but the social media post raised questions for others, as well. Police are often tight-lipped about what they’re up to, as too much information shared publicly might tip off someone, or cause them to alter some behavior. This is one of those times.
Sheriff Juan Figueroa reiterated Saturday, September 6 that members of the public were not in any danger, but declined to offer any details about what had been occurring because it’s still an ongoing investigation. If that investigation results in anyone being charged with a crime — which is legally defined as a misdemeanor or felony — it’s common practice for some of the specifics to be included in a press release. Regarding that warning about steering clear of Plattekill Avenue, there’s no telling if or when that might occur.