Ulster County Police Officer Suffers Devastating Injury After Violent Assault

A Saugerties police officer is recovering from serious injuries after what authorities describe as a violent assault that led to the arrest of a local man over the weekend.

Saugerties Man Charged After Officer Seriously Injured

According to the Saugerties Police Department, the incident happened Saturday morning, June 13th, 2026, and resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old John M. Gilkes of Saugerties, NY.

Police didn't say exactly what happened but did say that Gilkes was charged with Assault in the Second Degree, a felony, after allegedly causing serious physical injury to a Saugerties police officer during an incident on Ulster Avenue.

Officials said the injured officer was initially transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston before being transferred to Westchester Medical Center for specialized treatment.

Saugerties Police Department

They described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.

Following his arrest, Gilkes was processed at the Saugerties Police Department and transported to the Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) Court in Kingston, where he awaited arraignment.

Fellow Departments Offer Support

As news of the officer's injuries spread, neighboring police departments began sharing messages of support and encouragement.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Town of Rosendale Police Department extended its thoughts and prayers to the injured officer and his family.

"The members of the Town of Rosendale Police Department extend our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support to the young officer of the Town of Saugerties Police Department who was seriously injured in the line of duty," the department wrote.

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Rosendale police also revealed that the officer suffered the loss of vision in one eye as a result of the assault.

"This tragic injury serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day," the department stated.

Officials expressed hope that the officer will make a full recovery and asked residents throughout the community to keep him, his family, and fellow officers in their thoughts and prayers.

"Stay strong, we are all rooting for you!!"

Community Rallying Around Injured Officer

The incident serves as another reminder of the dangers first responders can face while serving and protecting their communities.

As the officer continues treatment and recovery, support continues to pour in from fellow law enforcement agencies, first responders, friends, family members, and residents throughout the Hudson Valley.

If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email CJ@Hudsonvalleycountry.com to make the necessary change.