DEPUTIES END HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT WITH FIRST SUCCESSFUL GRAPPLER DEPLOYMENT IN NEW YORK STATE
On October 22, deputies were dispatched to a larceny in progress at Tractor Supply on Route 311 in Patterson, where a male suspect was reported to have stolen several power tools before fleeing in a U-Haul van. Using license plate reader technology, deputies quickly identified and located the vehicle.
At about 6:50 PM, a deputy located the van in the Highlands shopping center on Independent Way in Southeast and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit onto I-84 westbound at high rates of speed. The van continued onto the Taconic State Parkway and into Dutchess County, traveling through East Fishkill before heading back into Putnam County.
After the pursuit re-entered Patterson, deputies deployed stop sticks on Route 311, deflating the van’s tires. Moments later, a deputy successfully deployed the Grappler, bringing the 30-minute pursuit to a safe conclusion. Both occupants were taken into custody without further incident.
Frank V. Commisso, 35, of Newburgh, was charged with multiple offenses, including Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hilary L. Rampe, 39, of Walden, was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Resisting Arrest, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The Grappler is an advanced pursuit intervention tool designed to safely stop fleeing vehicles. It was purchased using asset forfeiture funds, at no cost to taxpayers.
“This is exactly why we invested in this technology,” said Sheriff Hess. “Our deputies stopped a dangerous pursuit, and thankfully, no members of our community were injured by the actions of these two individuals. I’m proud of the work of our deputies, our dispatchers, and our assisting agencies.”
Thank you to Putnam County 911, the New York State Police, the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center, and all of our partner agencies.
All subjects charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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