HYDE PARK – A pedestrian was killed on Violet Avenue (Route 9G) Thursday night after being struck by a Dutchess County Sheriff’s (DCSO) patrol vehicle. The incident happened in the vicinity of the Hyde Park Assisted Living Facility at approximately 7:35 p.m.
Witnesses told Mid Hudson News that the deputy immediately began to render aid to the male victim who was reported to be in traumatic arrest. “She immediately began CPR in an attempt to save the man,” said a witness who was at the Sunoco gas station close to the accident.
Violet Avenue was closed to traffic on Thursday evening between Cottage Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie and Kilmer Avenue in Hyde Park for an accident investigation.
John Gilli, an employee of the Sunoco gas station near the accident posted his account of the incident on social media. Mr. Gilli said “It (the pedestrian) was a resident of Hyde Park Assisted Living crossing the street to go to the gas station. He was hit by a Sherriff. I work at the gas station and was there when it happened. He was wearing dark clothing. She (the Deputy) tried to avoid him and almost hit another car head-on. But ended up hitting him.” Gilli also said “She tried feverishly to save this poor man.”
State law requires that civilian fatalities that involve police are to be investigated by the NYS Attorney General’s Office. New York State Police responded to the scene to conduct the accident reconstruction/investigation. The findings of the investigation will be delivered to the Attorney General’s office for review.
The Town of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park Police Departments assisted at the scene.
Dutchess County Undersheriff Kirk Imperati said that the DCSO will not release any information until the Attorney General’s Office authorizes him to do so.
