TOWN OF WALLKILL- On Friday shortly after 5 p.m., New York State Police troopers observed a 2009 Chevrolet traveling westbound on Route 17 near Exit 122 in the Town of Wallkill in violation of state vehicle laws. Troopers learned the vehicle was wanted in connection with an incident in Yorktown Heights on January 6.
A traffic stop was attempted, but the driver, later identified as Chandler J. Riggin, 26, of Middletown, failed to comply, prompting a pursuit through the Town of Wallkill, the City of Middletown, and the Village of Bloomingburg.
Troopers later located the vehicle in the Town of Wawarsing, where the pursuit resumed. Riggin crashed into a snowbank on Route 209 and, according to police, intentionally struck a marked State Police vehicle before fleeing on foot. He was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
Riggin was charged with multiple felony offenses, including reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, driving while ability impaired by drugs, unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and obstructing.
The vehicle’s passenger, Melissa Licausi, 42, of Beacon, was also taken into custody and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and manufacture of drug-related paraphernalia.
Riggin was arraigned in Ulster County Court and later in Middletown City Court, and was released on his own recognizance pending future court dates in accordance with the state’s bail reform laws. Licausi was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Wawarsing Town Court on February 6.
The investigation is ongoing. State Police were assisted by the Wallkill Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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