(Video: Mark Lieb, Rockland Video Productions)
MIDDLETOWN – City Police in Middletown said the 35-year-old man
killed when he fled from police at a high rate of speed early Thursday
morning apparently lost control of his 2000 Lexus GS 300 and struck a
utility pole and a concrete porch in front of 8 Sterling Street.
The driver, who was alone in the car, was trapped in the vehicle and pronounced
dead at the scene shortly before 1 a.m. His name was not immediately released.
The incident began when a Middletown police officer observed the car commit
a traffic infraction in the area of Cottage Street and Railroad Avenue.
The officer attempted to turn his marked patrol car around and stop the
violator, but he quickly accelerated away on Cottage Street.
With the police officer in pursuit with his lights and siren on, the victim
sped through city streets until he wound up on Sterling where he lost
control and crashed.
The unoccupied residence sustained substantial structural damage as a
result of the impact.
Police said it does not appear that the driver was wearing a seatbelt.
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office and State Police are
assisting in the investigation.
Any witnesses to the incident are asked to call either Middletown City
Police at 845-343-3151 or State Police at 845-344-5400.
