County to Increase Trailway Security

Following a reported physical assault of a woman that took place last week on the Putnam County Trailway in Carmel, County Executive Kevin Byrne has issued an executive order directing immediate measures to improve safety and security across the county’s trail system and other public spaces, and “reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.”

On Oct. 19, the Carmel Police Department – along with Kent police and sheriff’s deputies – responded to a report of a man ambushing a woman on the bike path near Old Route 6 and striking her from behind. A short while later, after deploying canines and drones in the area, a 35-year-old male was taken into custody.  

According to news reports, the suspect was allowed release the same day under the state’s bail reform law.

This is not the first time an assault has been reported on the county’s trail system.

Byrne has directed county agencies to implement additional security enhancements to the paved pathway, including increased bike and UTV patrols as well as cameras at sensitive areas identified by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

After last week’s attack, Byrne joined law enforcement to survey multiple areas on the miles-long trail that have been identified as priorities for safety improvements.

“Our trails, parks, and public spaces should be welcoming places for recreation, not fear,” he said. “Once again, we are taking decisive action to ensure residents and families feel safe using our county’s outdoor amenities. This executive order makes clear that unlawful camping or squatting on county property will not be tolerated, and that law enforcement and social service agencies will continue to partner to address these issues humanely but firmly.”

The executive order reaffirms and strengthens existing county policy concerning illegal encampments, nonpermanent shelters, and the enforcement of county property rules. Effective immediately, the sheriff’s office, Department of Social Services & Mental Health, and Department of Public Works are directed to coordinate on the removal of any illegal encampments or squatting sites on county-owned lands, including the 12-mile trailway. Also, county departments will expand efforts to connect unhoused individuals with available social services and shelter programs.

The sheriff’s office, in collaboration with the DPW and Information Technology Department, will install additional security enhancements along the bike path, including camera surveillance equipment and lighting in key areas.

Lastly, the county will undertake a formal needs assessment to identify further measures to enhance safety, security, and accessibility along its trail system.

Acting Sheriff Brian Hess affirmed his office’s full cooperation with the order.

“Our deputies are committed to keeping the trailway safe for everyone,” he said. “We will increase visibility along these routes and work closely with the County Executive’s Office to ensure public spaces remain secure and free from unlawful activity.”

Byrne emphasized that the county will enforce the law and hold those found sheltering illegally on county property responsible, while also offering support through the Department of Social Services & Mental Health and partner organizations.

“We can enforce our laws while also extending a hand to those in need,” he said. “What we cannot allow is for unlawful activity to threaten the safety and well-being of our residents.” Concerns over the alleged assailant being issued an appearance ticket and released the same day have not gone unnoticed.

Byrne and Hess reaffirmed their joint call for the state to repeal Albany’s “catch and release” laws, urging members of the State Legislature and the governor to fully restore judicial discretion so that individuals accused of violent acts are not immediately released back into the community.

“Incidents like this underscore exactly why we’ve been so vocal about the need to fix New York’s broken bail laws,” said Byrne. “When someone can violently assault another person and then be released within hours, it’s clear public safety is no longer the priority. That must change.”