August 27 & 28, 2026 - Welfare Check / Felony Charges

On August 27, 2026, at approximately 10:24 a.m., Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputies, including members of the Sheriff’s Office Crisis Alternative and Response (CARE) Team, responded to a residence in the 700 block of Elm Street Extension in the Town of Groton to conduct a welfare check on an individual who was living alone.

Upon arrival, deputies were confronted by the resident, who threatened deputies with a kitchen knife. Because the resident was isolated inside the residence and was not believed to pose an immediate threat to others, deputies disengaged and established a safer plan for responding to the situation. Deputies continued to monitor the residence and the resident while working to de-escalate the situation.

On August 28, 2026, at approximately 9:37 a.m., after the situation continued to deteriorate and deputies determined that the resident's behavior indicated she had become a danger to herself, deputies returned to the residence. Deputies were able to take the resident into custody without incident. No one was injured.

As a result of the investigation, Katie M. Pesold, age 41, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and Menacing a Police Officer, both Class D felonies.

Pesold is being held at the Tompkins County Jail pending arraignment in Centralized Arraignment Court at 8:00 p.m. on August 28, 2026.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Village of Groton Police Department.

"I would like to recognize the deputies and CARE Team members involved for their patience and commitment to de-escalation throughout this incident. Their decision to disengage when appropriate, maintain observation, and allow time for a safer intervention ultimately resulted in the situation being resolved without injury."