POUGHKEEPSIE – The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, despite being short-staffed, has taken eight guns off of the city’s streets in the past week. During one incident on the south side, a known gang member ran from police with a loaded Glock handgun that had been reported stolen in Virginia.
Police also recovered a “ghost gun” from a suspect after a foot pursuit on the north side of the city. The story about the 23-year-old suspect with the ghost gun can be found here.
On February 25, 2023, city police arrested paroled murderer Rasheem Thomison after a disturbance at a local tavern. Thomison was in possession of an illegal handgun and narcotics.
The manpower shortage is putting a strain on the existing officers who are working extra hours to enforce the law. The city has hired a few new officers but several are still in training and not on full patrol yet. “We are doing everything we can to help keep the city and its visitors safe,” said PBA President Kevin Van Wagner. “Despite not having enough police, our members continue to go above and beyond. The repeat felons running around with guns places the lives of our officers and the city at risk but despite the shortage, we were able to get several bad guys and guns off the streets this past week. I’m proud of our officers.”
