HYDE PARK – Shortly before 8:00 am on Monday, Hyde Park Police responded to the Rhinebeck Bank on Violet Avenue after employees reported a suspicious person and vehicle on the premises. When two police units arrived, the female driver of the suspicious vehicle attempted to run over an officer before leaving the lot.
As police pursued the subject, she struck a police vehicle with her car.
The operator, described on radio traffic as a female, now identified as 49-year-old Grace Chefalo, drove an older tan-colored Honda Accord speeding south on Violet Avenue (Route 9G), pursued by the two Hyde Park Police units.
The fleeing vehicle struck another vehicle at the intersection of Violet Avenue at East and West Dorsey Lanes, ending the pursuit. While officers from Hyde Park and Dutchess County Sheriff’s deputies worked at the scene, two State Police units responded to the bank to secure the location.
Firefighters and medics from the Fairview Fire Department responded to the scene to treat both drivers. The subject was arrested and transported to Mid Hudson Regional Hospital. The operator of the vehicle that was struck was also taken to a hospital.
As of 11:00 am, the intersection was still closed and traffic was being diverted through the parking lot at St. Peter’s School. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the accident investigation while Hyde Park Police investigate the original crime.
Hyde Park Police Chief Robert Benson said that charges are pending against Chefalo.
