TOWN OF MONTGOMERY – A Cresco, Pennsylvania man wanted in several warrants, led police on a high-speed chase from the Taconic State Parkway in East Fishkill to I-84 in the Town of Montgomery where his Toyota Tacoma truck crashed, overturned and burst into flames.
State troopers tried to get Thomas McGrath, 50, out of the vehicle, but it burst into flames engulfing it with him inside. He died at the scene.
The incident began around 9:40 p.m. on Monday when troopers initiated a traffic stop on the Taconic in East Fishkill. It was determined McGrath had outstanding warrants. He fled and the pursuit began, sometimes at speeds of over 90 miles an hour.
McGrath raced over the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and continued on I-84 until he attempted to pass an uninvolved Nissan Pathfinder causing a tow dolly behind his McGrath’s vehicle to strike the Pathfinder. McGrath lost control resulting in his vehicle overturning.
The operator of the Pathfinder complained of neck pain and was transported to Orange Regional Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill for evaluation.
During the pursuit, no State Police or Town of Newburgh Police vehicles were struck. The chase lased about 20 minutes and covered 23 miles.
The investigation is continuing.
Putnam County welcomes 17 new citizens
May 2, 2024
