Car Rolls Into Police Car, Intoxicated Driver Resists Arrest, Injures Deputy, Flees Into Woods: Sheriff

PATTERSON, NY — A Putnam County man made a bad situation much worse, according to authorities.

Putnam County Acting Sheriff Brian Hess says that 33-year-old Paul J. Cheque-Tacuri, of Patterson, was arrested on charges that include felony assault, reckless endangerment, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.

On Saturday, at 2:27 a.m., a deputy made a traffic stop on Route 22, near Haviland Hollow Road in the Town of Patterson, for speeding.

During the stop, the deputy suspected the driver, later identified as Cheque-Tacuri, of driving while intoxicated. While the deputy investigated, Cheque-Tacuri's vehicle began to roll backward, striking the patrol vehicle.

When the deputy attempted to take him into custody, Cheque-Tacuri resisted arrest, officials said. A physical struggle then took place, during which the deputy was injured, according to the sheriff's department. Cheque-Tacuri then fled the scene on foot into the surrounding woods, according to the sheriff.

After a search, Cheque-Tacuri was found and taken into custody at his home by members of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, with help from the Narcotics Enforcement Unit.

He was charged with felony second-degree assault, felony first-degree reckless endangerment, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration, and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Cheque-Tacuri was arraigned in the Town of Patterson Court, and was remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility.

"This incident serves as a clear reminder: if you choose to fight with the police, we will find you," Acting Sheriff Hess said. "Our deputies put their lives on the line to keep this county safe, and we will not tolerate assaults on law enforcement."