Crime
SUNY Potsdam student Emily Smith dies after being struck by car
POTSDAM, N.Y. — Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspect following a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a SUNY Potsdam student early Saturday morning.
According to the Potsdam Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:37 a.m. on May 16, 2026, to the area of Pierrepont Avenue for reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
The victim was identified as 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, New York. Authorities said Smith was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Police said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
During the investigation, officers developed information identifying the suspect vehicle as an older-model black Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage.
At approximately 7:25 a.m., authorities located the suspect vehicle traveling on U.S. Route 11 east of the Village of Potsdam. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Jakob D. Krise of Brasher Falls, New York.
Officials said Krise was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities charged Krise with:
- Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death
- Zero Tolerance Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Driving across hazard markings
Police said Krise was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and later released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on May 20, 2026.
Investigators noted that the case remains active and additional charges could still be filed.
The Potsdam Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the New York State Police, SUNY Potsdam Police, and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
University officials later confirmed that Emily Smith was a sophomore business administration major and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears women’s basketball team.
In a statement released with permission from her family, the university described Smith as a transfer student who had already made a major impact on campus during her first year. Officials said she excelled academically, earning Dean’s List recognition, while also building strong friendships and mentorships within the campus community.
University officials said Smith was with teammates and friends at the time of the incident, and many classmates, coaches, supporters, and family members gathered at the hospital following the tragedy.
To honor her memory, SUNY Potsdam designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where students, faculty, staff, and community members can leave flowers, personal items, and messages in tribute to Smith.
The university also announced that counseling services and support sessions are being made available for students, faculty, and staff as the campus community mourns the devastating loss.
Authorities are continuing to ask anyone with information related to the fatal hit-and-run crash to contact the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.