Palmyra, NY - Police Department

07/10/2026

🚔 Traffic Safety Enforcement Detail Conducted Today 🚔

Today, the Palmyra Police Department conducted a stop sign enforcement detail from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Enforcement efforts focused on the following intersections:

📍 W. Foster Street and Stafford Street
📍 W. Jackson Street and Stafford Street

During the detail, officers conducted nine traffic stops for observed violations.

With increased vehicle traffic during the summer months and more pedestrians throughout the community while school is out, these traffic safety details will continue to help protect everyone traveling through our neighborhoods.

The Palmyra Police Department focuses enforcement efforts on areas identified through citizen complaints and observed traffic concerns. Residents may contact the Chief of Police with traffic enforcement concerns or requests.

We appreciate the cooperation of the public and remind all motorists to come to a complete stop at stop signs and remain alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. Together, we can help keep Palmyra’s streets safe.

We also thank the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for assisting with the enforcement detail between calls for service.

06/08/2026

On June 4, 2026, the Village of Palmyra Police Department arrested Dekaus L. Thomas, age 39, of Market Street, Palmyra, following an investigation into a domestic incident.

The investigation revealed that Thomas allegedly restrained his girlfriend during an argument by physically restricted her movement within the residence. During the same incident, Thomas allegedly picked up and smashed the victim’s television.

Thomas was charged with:
• Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree (PL 135.05)
• Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree (PL 145.00[1])

Thomas was transported to the Wayne County Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court for arraignment.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/02/2026

A Rochester woman was arrested following a traffic stop in the Village of Palmyra in the early morning hours of May 2, 2026.

On May 2, 2026, at approximately 2:08 AM, a Palmyra Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling through the Village of Palmyra after observing it traveling at a high rate of speed in a posted 30 MPH zone.

During the course of the stop, the officer conducted an investigation and determined that the operator, Emily Carpenter (age 34), was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Carpenter subsequently submitted to a chemical breath test which showed a blood alcohol content of 0.13%, which is above the legal limit in New York State.

As a result of the investigation, Carpenter was charged with the following New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations:
• VTL 1180(d) – Speed in Zone
• VTL 1227 – Open Alcoholic Container in a Motor Vehicle
• VTL 1192.2 – Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content Above .08%
• VTL 1192.3 – Driving While Intoxicated

Carpenter was processed by the Palmyra Police Department and will appear in Village of Palmyra Court at a later date to answer the charges.

The Palmyra Police Department thanks the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for their assistance during this incident.

04/23/2026

Palmyra Police Department – Fleet Clarification

Due to recent discussions on social media, the Palmyra Police Department would like to provide accurate information regarding our patrol vehicle fleet.

At any given time, the department requires up to four vehicles in service to meet operational needs:

One assigned to the Chief
One assigned to the School Resource Officer (SRO)
One for day shift patrol
One for overlapping/night shift coverage

Current Fleet Inventory:

2015 Ford
2018 Ford
2021 Ford
2023 Unmarked Chief’s Vehicle (grant funded)
2023 Chevy Tahoe (grant funded)
2024 Chevy Tahoe (grant funded)

It is also important to note that the Palmyra Police Department has not purchased a patrol vehicle since 2020. Several of the current vehicles were obtained through grant funding, significantly reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

The Chief of Police is assigned a dedicated vehicle due to the requirement of being available at all times for emergency response. This is especially important as the department currently does not have a Road Sergeant position. As a result, the Chief regularly responds to and oversees incidents that would traditionally be handled by a Sergeant, requiring immediate availability.

As part of responsible fleet management, the next vehicle scheduled for replacement will be the 2015 Ford, as ongoing maintenance and repair costs are no longer cost-effective. However at this point, it doesn't appear this will occur this upcoming fiscal year due to budget constraints.

The department actively seeks and prioritizes grant funding whenever available. However, grant-funded vehicles are considered a supplement, not a permanent replacement strategy. As part of these agreements, the Village will still be responsible for future vehicle purchases to maintain fleet readiness.

The Palmyra Police Department remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring our officers have reliable equipment to safely serve the community. If you have any questions, please come in and we can discuss the topic.

04/13/2026

Drug Day High Visibility Engagement Campaign will run all day on Monday, 4/20.

04/13/2026

The Palmyra Police Department proudly recognizes and thanks the dedicated professionals of Wayne County 911 during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

Every day, these men and women answer the call when someone is experiencing one of the worst moments of their life. They are the calm voice in chaos—handling frantic callers, high-stress emergencies, and rapidly evolving situations with precision and professionalism.

Dispatchers must quickly gather critical information, make split-second decisions, and provide life-saving instructions—all while ensuring first responders are equipped with accurate, real-time details. They do this job without seeing the scene, yet their impact is felt on every call.

The mental and emotional toll of hearing fear, panic, and crisis day after day cannot be overstated—but they continue to show up, ready to serve.

Their work is often behind the scenes, but it is absolutely essential.

Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and commitment to keeping our community and first responders safe. 💛

To all the unseen heroes of public safety, we thank you for choosing to answer the call every day! 💛🖤

04/11/2026

🚨 PSA – Disturbance at Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals on E. Charlotte Ave 🚨

On April 9, 2026, the Palmyra Police Department was dispatched to a residence on E. Charlotte Ave for a disturbance involving a short-term rental. The home was rented for approximately 15 individuals, but attendance grew to nearly double that number.

The disturbance occurred when several individuals refused to leave when asked by the homeowners, and some became hostile, making threats to damage the property. After the Palmyra Police Department arrived and observed the number of individuals on scene, assistance was requested from the Macedon Police Department and the New York State Police.

A 911 call was made before any damage occurred. Upon police arrival, all parties dispersed and the situation was resolved without further incident. The property owner was unaware of the larger gathering.

💡 Reminder for Property Owners (Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals):
• Set clear guest limits and rules
• Monitor bookings and activity
• Don’t hesitate to call law enforcement early

📞 Quick action matters. The early 911 call and rapid response helped prevent property damage.

Thank you to the New York State Police and the Macedon Police Department for their assistance and quick response.