State Police determine Hartwick incident non-criminal

On January 2, 2022, the New York State Police responded to a home on Poplar Avenue in the town of Hartwick. At the time of the incident, it was reported by the initial caller that an elderly victim had sustained physical injuries after an unknown person entered her home.  

Investigators spent months conducting interviews and examining evidence, ultimately leading to the determination that the woman’s physical injuries were caused when she fell inside her home.  The investigation has determined that no criminal activity occurred in the home and the victim’s injuries were the result of an unfortunate fall. Sadly, the woman passed away several weeks after her fall. She is identified as 86-year-old Flora Polulech.  

The New York State Police offers our sympathy to the fall victim’s family, and are glad to report that no crime occurred and there is no threat to the community. We also thank the Hartwick community for their patience while we fully investigated this incident to ensure accuracy and public safety.