Ancram man arrested for breaking into home, kidnapping, and arson
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Richard L. Mazzone
Troop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Ancram, New York – On July 23, 2019, the New York State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested, Henry C. Harasymczuk, age 56, of Ancram, for Kidnapping in the 2nd degree, a class B felony, Burglary in the 2nd degree, and Arson in the 3rd degree, both class C felonies.
At approximately 12:05 a.m., Troopers were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to the area of Woods Drive in the town of Ancram, for a report of a man attempting to burn down structures. Troopers first located the caller who reported that Harasymczuk had illegally forced entry into the victim’s home, and forced the victim to provide motorized transport to the first fire scene. The victim was able to drive away, and call for help while Harasymczuk set fire to a camper. The fire was located and extinguished by Troopers who utilized fire extinguishers.
While conducting a search for Harasymczuk, Troopers found a fully engulfed barn fire on a farm located at 93 County Route 3, which was also set by Harasymczuk. Ancram Fire department was called to the scene, and led the effort to extinguish the flames. Harasymczuk was subsequently located coming out of the nearby wood line without any clothing. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Harasymczuk was arraigned before the town Clermont Court, and remanded by the Honorable Judge Christensen to the Columbia County Jail without bail. Harasymczuk is next scheduled to appear before the town of Ancram Court on July 29, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.
Photographs courtesy of Ancram Fire Chief David Boice