HOPEWELL JUNCTION – East Fishkill Police responded to a report of a barricaded man with a gun on Saturday night. The incident at 32 Bayberry Court began around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and wasn’t resolved until Sunday morning.
Sources told Mid-Hudson News that 51-year-old Donald Lemish held police at bay after waving a gun at them following an incident at his residence on Saturday night. He was subsequently arrested and sent to the Dutchess County Jail.
Lemish, according to sources, had engaged the services of a prostitute at his Bayberry Court residence. After an argument, Lemish allegedly choked the escort until the victim lost consciousness. When the illegal contractor came to, Lemish was said to have threatened them with a handgun. The victim escaped the residence and called the police.
The East Fishkill police arrived shortly before midnight on Saturday, at which point Lemish allegedly exited the house and threatened police by pointing a rifle at them.
A standoff ensued with Lemish refusing to leave the residence. Early on Sunday morning, police were able to secure a search warrant for the home. When the warrant-wielding cops returned, Lemish allowed them to enter the home, without incident.
Lemish was eventually arrested by police and arraigned in the East Fishkill Justice Court on Sunday. He was sent to Dutchess County Jail after being arraigned on felony charges of menacing a police officer and strangulation and the misdemeanors of menacing, attempted assault, and unlawful imprisonment. Lemish was given a $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond option.
The rifle that Lemish pointed at officers was determined to be an air-rifle.
The suspect has a follow-up court date of February 24 in the East Fishkill Justice Court.
