People continue to sicken and amaze me. There is clearly no shortage of scumbags in the world and that continues to be proven with each new scam that arises. The most recent scam is related to the recent murder of two Syracuse area police officers.

Just after 7:00 p.m. Sunday, Syracuse Police officers responded to a call for a report of a stolen vehicle in the area of Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street. The investigation led officers to an address on Darien Drive in Salina where tragically a Syracuse Police officer and an Onondaga County Deputy were shot and killed in a shootout with the suspect. That suspect has since been identified as 33-Year-Old Christopher R Murphy of Salina, NY. That suspect was also killed in the incident.

It hasn't even been 24 hours since this tragedy occurred and there are already scammers trying to take people's money under the guise of this being a fundraiser for the fallen officers and their families. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office made the sickening announcement on Facebook Monday morning. It simply read,

We cannot thank the community enough for the outpouring of support. At this time, there is NOT a fundraiser for our fallen Deputy. If someone is soliciting money, it is a scam. Please do not donate to any of these sites or links. We will give out official word when that information is available. Please share this information with your fellow community members.

The people of Central New York are generous, loving and giving. For the most part there is a tremendous support of law enforcement as well. Scammers love to take advantage and you need to make yourself aware that they're coming for your generosity.

We continue to send our love and prayers to the families of the fallen officers in this tragic event and the Law Enforcement community as a whole. These senseless acts of violence should never happen and this is a reminder of the deadly and dangerous job our men and woman in blue have signed up for.

7 Ways to Spot a Facebook Hoax

A recent hoax that the Price Chopper Store in Oneida, NY, was closing its doors went viral across the community and online. The report was debunked by WIBX after speaking directly with a Price Chopper rep.

Lies on Facebook spread because they're designed to elicit a strong reaction, whether it be outrage or pure joy. Some hoaxters will operate on a local level in hopes of agitating residents and stirring up controversy.

Here's how you can stop yourself from falling for a fake news report. 

Gallery Credit: Megan

12 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- April 2024

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 4/01/2024:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

10 Most Dangerous Towns in New York

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams