POUGHKEEPSIE – A State Police helicopter circling over the Poughkeepsie area Thursday afternoon and evening was cause for speculation. Many people sent messages to Mid-Hudson News to ask if there was a large-scale drug raid in the area. Others sent messages asking if there was some standoff questioning the extended presence of the helicopter. Both theories were incorrect.
State Police, in conjunction with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Town and City of Poughkeepsie Police were working together to crack down on the use of off-road motorcycles and ATVs on public streets in the area.
The helicopter was assisted by drones from the county and town agencies to assist officers in locating people using unregistered off-road bikes and ATVs on the roads.
A source close to the investigation told Mid-Hudson News that less than 10 illegal vehicles were seized during the operation.
