Ashland, NY – A man from Greene County is facing a long list of serious charges after allegedly opening fire on deputies during an arrest attempt tied to multiple burglaries.
James Hartley, 38, of Ashland, had been wanted since December 27 in connection with a home invasion. While police arrested Maria Uvino, 30, that same day, Hartley managed to escape, prompting a manhunt and public warning from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Two days later, in the early morning hours of December 29, deputies discovered fresh tracks leading to a vacant house in Ashland. As they approached the property, Hartley allegedly fired several rifle shots through the windows at law enforcement officers. Deputies took cover and called for backup.
Hartley later emerged from the residence unarmed and surrendered without further incident. A subsequent search of the home uncovered the rifle used in the shooting, as well as forged U.S. currency in Hartley’s possession.
He now faces the following felony charges:
Two counts of attempted murder of a police officer
Second-degree burglary with a deadly weapon
Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
First-degree possession of a forged instrument
An additional count of second-degree burglary
Two counts of felony criminal mischief
Hartley was arraigned in the Town of Catskill Court, where he entered a not guilty plea. He is being held without bail in the Greene County Jail, pending further court proceedings.
