At approximately 8:45 PM on November 1^st, 2020, Patrol Officers were dispatched to the Abram Hilton Apartments, #5 5^th Street for a domestic dispute where a female victim had been stabbed. Upon arrival, responding officers located a female victim with a large laceration to the face. The victim immediately identified the suspect as her ex-boyfriend Daniel E. Harrington. The victim told officers that Harrington slashed her in the face with a knife and fled the scene.

It is alleged that the victim and Harrington were involved in a verbal argument inside the victim’s residence. Over the course of the argument, Harrington became irate when he believed that the victim was attempting to contact 911. Harrington allegedly told the victim  “I‘ll give you a reason to call the police” and proceeded to slash the victim in the face with a knife, causing a large laceration and a considerable loss of blood. The injured victim tried to leave the apartment in an attempt to call for help. While doing so, Harrington grabbed the victim and impeded her ability to leave the apartment and summon emergency assistance, all while in the presence of a 4-year-old child. A nearby neighbor heard the victim crying out for help and called 911. At that time, Harrington fled the scene. When officers arrived on scene, they immediately began to treat the victim’s injuries while simultaneously coordinating a search for Harrington utilizing assistance from the Menands and Colonie Police Departments, as well as K-9 units from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Troy Police Department. Officers were not able to immediately locate the Harrington.

During the investigation, it was determined that Harrington is currently on Parole with NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Members from NYS Parole were notified of the incident and issued a warrant for Harrington for violating his release conditions.

On November 19^th, 2020, Harrington was located in the Town of Colonie after providing Colonie Police Officers with a false name. Harrington was taken into custody and arraigned in Watervliet City Court. He was charged with Assault in the 1^st Degree (Class B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3^rd Degree (Class D Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor), and Unlawful Imprisonment in the 1^st Degree (Class E Felony). Harrington was remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

“We’d like to applaud the courageous neighbor who made the call for help for this victim. Their actions may have saved a life. With reports of domestic violence increasing throughout New York State during this pandemic, the City of Watervliet has seen unprecedented numbers as well. When compared to 2019, the Watervliet Police Department has seen a 46% increase in domestic violence calls. Our department has remained committed towards supporting victims of domestic violence but cannot do it alone. It takes a community to combat such a problem. Now more than ever, we ask for your help. Be an advocate for those who are in an abusive relationship. You can call the confidential NYS Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 or visit nyscadv.org for help. Of course, you may always call your local police agency for guidance and in an emergency, always call 911”.                                                         

-Lt. Brian Strock, Acting Chief of Police