Posted on: June 05, 2026 09:30 AM

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State Police arrest Ballston Lake man following multi county pursuit

On June 2, 2026, State Police arrested Craig R. Derusso, 34, of Ballston Lake, NY, for:

Criminal Mischief 2nd, a class “D” felony

Reckless Endangerment, 1st, a class “D” felony

Menacing a Police Officer, a class “D” felony

Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, a class “D” felony

Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, 3rd, a class “A” misdemeanor

Resisting Arrest, a class “A” misdemeanor

Obstructing Governmental Administration, 2nd, a class “A” misdemeanor

Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs and numerous vehicle and traffic violations

On June 2, 2026, at approximately 2 p.m., State Police were notified of an active vehicle pursuit in Saratoga County by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office due to an ongoing Colonie Police Department investigation. The driver of the vehicle, a 2025 Toyota SUV,  was identified as Derusso, who had multiple felony warrants for his arrest. The vehicle entered Schenectady County, where State Police located it on Erie Boulevard. State Police, in partnership with the Schenectady Police Department, pursued the vehicle, which continued to fail to comply with attempted stops. Troop G members terminated the pursuit as the vehicle entered the Interstate-90 Thruway from Interstate-890 due to public safety concerns.

The vehicle proceeded from I-90 eastbound to I-87 southbound on the Thruway into Albany County, where Troop T troopers attempted to stop Derusso for a vehicle and traffic law violation. Derusso failed to comply, and another pursuit was initiated during which he traveled through an active construction zone at more than 100 MPH. A tire deflation device was deployed, successfully deflating one of Derusso’s tires, disabling his vehicle.

Upon his vehicle becoming disabled, Derusso exited his vehicle with a knife, ran towards troopers, and struck a marked troop car with the knife, causing damage to it. Derusso was taken into custody by a member of the Colonie Police Department after a brief struggle during which he resisted and was disarmed with the assistance of State Police members.

Derusso was transported to Albany Medical Center for evaluation of injuries.

From NYSP