Woman Flees From Police, Ends Up In Pond: Police

NEWBURGH, NY — A pursuit of a car led to a water rescue that then led to an accusation of drunken driving for a Newburgh woman.

The New York State Police said, around 11:40 p.m. Friday, a trooper said they saw a 2014 Cadillac going north on Route 9W in the town of Newburgh that was in violation of traffic laws.

A traffic stop was initiated but the driver of the car — Melissa D. Branagan, 38, of the town of Newburgh — did not comply and fled from the trooper, who began pursuit.

They traveled through the towns of Newburgh and Marlborough, and the pursuit came to an end when Branagan drove into a pond on Marchesse Drive in Marlborough.

She was the sole occupant in the car and was unable to get out of it as it started to submerge.

The trooper went into the water and got Branagan out through the driver-side window and then to shore.

She refused medical attention, police said.

Further investigation found that Branagan was impaired by alcohol.

She was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and DWAI drugs, felonies, and aggravated unlicensed operator and third-degree fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, misdemeanors.

Branagan was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Newburgh Court Oct. 16. She was also issued 50 tickets.