4th Suspect Arrested In Relation to Capital Region Crime Spree

New arrest made in Capital Region Christmas Crime Spree. Earlier this year 3 individuals were arrested and charged in connection to several crimes in the Capital Region, now a 4th has been arrested and is facing charges.

On Tuesday March 17, 2026, New York State Police arrested 41-year-old Leigh A. Priest of Granville, NY, on warrants for Burglary 2nd, and 2 counts of Burglary 3rd. Priest allegedly participated in burglaries that occurred during the Christmas season in Hebron, and on January 13, 2026, in Granville. Here's what went down.

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On December 24, 2025, 2 individuals allegedly forcibly entered an unoccupied home in Hebron, and reportedly stole a four-wheeler, tools, multiple firearms, and other miscellaneous household items.

In January 2026, One suspect reportedly stole a car part valued at $1,000 from a property in Granville and then allegedly sold the item to a Vermont scrap yard. State Police also located a classic car that had been reportedly stolen during a Burglary that occurred in Poultney, Vermont.

Also in January 2026, a suspect allegedly traveled to a Granville farm and reportedly stole a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) from the property, altered the UTV to prevent detection, and caused damage.

• January 14, 2026, State Police arrested 32-year-old Cody D. Tracy of Granville
• January 15, 2026, State Police arrested 31-year-old Earl K. Vanguilder of Salem
• February 13, 2026, State Police arrested 38-year-old Stephen Williams

Troopers indicate the investigation determined that Tracy, Vanguilder, and Williams allegedly traveled to the location where they reportedly stole multiple vehicles, multiple trailers, and numerous tools and car parts from an unoccupied building. Multiple stolen items, including vehicles and trailers, have been recovered.

In total during the investigation 14 guns, 2 four-wheelers, 6 vehicles, 1 UTV, 3 snowmobiles, 8 trailers and a motorcycle that had been reportedly stolen were recovered, resolving numerous investigations in Washington County and Vermont.