Bike path assault leads to enhanced security

Local law enforcement is stepping up patrols on the bike path after a woman was allegedly assaulted on Sunday (Oct. 19) while jogging in Carmel Hamlet.

Carmel police were notified of the alleged assault by Putnam County 911 shortly after 9 a.m., when a woman reported being “pushed from behind and punched in the head several times.”

Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann said the victim—whose name is being withheld—was jogging on the trail “when she saw the male, turned around to avoid him and then was knocked to the ground” and attacked.

The victim managed to get away and call 911, Hoffmann said, adding that officers from Carmel PD, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Kent PD worked together to search for the attacker.

“Luckily we got out there quickly,” Hoffmann said. “The sheriff’s office helped with their drone and UTV, we had our drone and K9, and Kent had their K9. It took about an hour to locate him in a drainage pipe. Kent PD’s K9 Saber found him.”

Hoffmann said the victim had visible cuts and scrapes from the attack but declined transport to the hospital.

After being identified by the victim, police charged James Regan, 35—described as “currently undomiciled”—with third-degree assault. He was arraigned and released to appear in Carmel Town Court at a later date.

Hoffmann told Mahopac News that Regan—whom authorities believe is from upstate St. Lawrence County—is a repeat offender with “an extensive criminal background” dating back to 2007 that includes multiple felony arrests for assault, narcotics, trespass and larceny.

Hoffmann praised the interagency cooperation that led to Regan's capture.

“While it’s troubling to have any incident like this in town, it is encouraging that we were able to make a quick arrest with the help of our partner agencies,” Hoffmann said. “We continue to work together going forward to prevent incidents like this from happening again and keeping the trails safe for everyone.”

After the attack, County Executive Kevin Byrne issued an executive order to ramp up patrols on the Putnam County stretch of the Trailway, which runs from Mahopac near Baldwin Place to Brewster.

In a press release, Byrne’s office said the executive was “directing immediate measures to improve safety and security across the county’s trail system and other public spaces and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law.”

Byrne’s release said he had spoken with the victim and was working with county and local law enforcement to “act swiftly and decisively to protect residents who use the trail.”

The executive order directs county agencies to step up security measures on the trail by increasing bike and UTV patrols, using cameras at sensitive areas identified by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and more.

Byrne and acting Sheriff Brian Hess joined other officials to tour the trail and identify sections needing enhanced security.

“Our trails, parks and public spaces should be welcoming places for recreation, not fear,” Byrne said. “Once again, we are taking decisive action to ensure that residents and families feel safe using our county’s outdoor amenities. This executive order makes clear that unlawful camping or squatting on county property will not be tolerated, and that law enforcement and social service agencies will continue to partner to address these issues humanely but firmly. Putnam County’s residents deserve no less.”

Byrne’s office said the executive order reaffirms and strengthens existing county policy concerning illegal encampments, nonpermanent shelters and the enforcement of county property rules. Effective immediately:

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Social Services & Mental Health and Department of Public Works are directed to coordinate on the removal of any illegal encampments or squatting sites on county-owned lands, including the 12-mile Trailway.

County departments will expand efforts to connect unhoused individuals with available social services and shelter programs.

The Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Departments of Public Works and Information Technology, will install additional security enhancements along the Trailway, including camera surveillance equipment and lighting in key areas.

The county will undertake a formal needs assessment to identify further measures to enhance safety, security and accessibility along its trail system.

Hess, who is up for election this fall, voiced his support for the measures.

“Our deputies are committed to keeping the Trailway safe for everyone,” Hess said. “We will increase visibility along these routes and work closely with the county executive’s office to ensure that public spaces remain secure and free from unlawful activity.”

The county executive’s press release said authorities “will enforce the law and hold those found sheltering illegally on county property responsible, also offering support through the Department of Social Services and Mental Health and partner organizations.”

“We can enforce our laws while also extending a hand to those in need,” Byrne said. “What we cannot allow is for unlawful activity to threaten the safety and well-being of our residents.”

With Regan being released on his own recognizance, Byrne and Hess described so-called “catch and release” laws as “pro-criminal” and urged the state legislature and Gov. Hochul “to fully restore judicial discretion so that individuals accused of violent acts are not immediately released” back into the community.

“Incidents like this underscore exactly why we’ve been so vocal about the need to fix New York’s broken bail laws,” Byrne said. “When someone can violently assault another person and then be released within hours, it’s clear that public safety is no longer the priority. That must change.”

Hess lamented that law enforcement works hard to keep the public safe, only to have their efforts undermined by the system.

"We need judges to have discretion back, and my officers need to be able to take dangerous individuals off our streets.," he said.