A Walden man accused of fleeing police through parts of Orange County before abandoning his vehicle on Interstate 84 was allegedly driving without a valid license, according to authorities.
The incident began Monday when City of Newburgh police officers attempted to stop a Jeep Liberty for vehicle and traffic violations during traffic enforcement, officials said. Police say the driver took off, leading officers on a pursuit into the Town of Montgomery before the chase was terminated.
Some time later, Orange County 911 received reports of an abandoned vehicle on Interstate 84. New York State Police located the vehicle and determined it was the same Jeep involved in the earlier pursuit.
Authorities say the investigation led them to identify and arrest the driver as 59‑year‑old Dino Macaluso, of Walden.
State police say once troopers became involved, Macaluso was allegedly seen violating multiple vehicle and traffic laws and driving recklessly in both the Village of Walden and the Town of Montgomery.
Macaluso was charged by the City of Newburgh police with third‑degree unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, second‑degree reckless endangerment, aggravated unlicensed operation, and second‑degree obstructing governmental administration.
State Police separately charged him with first‑degree reckless endangerment, third‑degree unlawful fleeing a police officer, and second‑degree obstructing governmental administration.
Authorities have not released additional details about where Macaluso was ultimately taken into custody.