Properties damaged by two explosions in Gloversville last week were singled out, according to police.
Three city residents — Emory Ostrander, Austin Kellogg and Stephen Politsch — have since been charged in connection with the April 17 incident on Helwig Street. The investigation remains active.
“While I won’t discuss the alleged motive, I will say that the locations damaged by the explosions were not selected at random, they were specifically targeted,” Gloversville police spokesperson Bradley Schaffer said in an email. “I’m sorry that I cannot provide additional information at this time.”
One explosion was detonated at 64 Helwig St. and the other at 36 Helwig St. at 1:28 a.m. The former was occupied at the time by homeowner Roy Bleyl and the latter was occupied by tenant Dennis Collins — neither of whom were injured.
The early morning blasts resulted in significant porch, window and siding damage. Also battered was a car parked in the driveway of 36 Helwig St.
Each blistering detonation was heard across the neighborhood. The first bang was described by Helwig Street resident Charles Williams as softer than the second.
Ostrander “did knowingly, intentionally and unlawfully ignite the fuse on an explosive and throw it onto the porch area” of 36 Helwig St., court documents say. Kellogg allegedly chucked an explosive in the front yard of 64 Helwig St.
The plan was directed by 31-year-old Politsch, reads a felony complaint filed by city detective Christopher Zink. Kellogg was arrested Thursday, and Politsch and Ostrander were arrested Friday.
All three men are currently in Fulton County jail. Politsch faces the most charges, including two counts of first-degree arson, a felony, and second-degree conspiracy.
Charges such as first-degree arson, upon conviction, can result in prison sentences ranging from 25 years to life behind bars.
So far, Kellogg, who has only been charged with first-degree arson, is the only defendant that has been assigned an attorney by the county. His next court appearance is May 13 at 9 a.m.
The 27-year old man’s public defender, Brian Toal, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ostrander will be assigned an attorney next Monday at 9 a.m. Politsch, who has opted to retain his own counsel, is slated to appear in court on May 1 at the same hour.
There is no active threat to the community nor other suspects at large, according to officials.
Multiple agencies have been involved in the case, including officials from state police, Johnstown police, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
