School Lockout: After Westchester Theft, Brooklyn Man Fled Stop In Putnam, Then Crashed In Dutchess: Sheriff

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A Hudson Valley-wide hunt for a Brooklyn man connected to a theft, ended with a fiery car crash and a school lockout.

Acting Putnam County Sheriff Brian Hess says that on Monday, around 1:15 p.m., deputies were advised to look out for a vehicle wanted for a theft that had just crossed into Putnam County from Westchester County, on Route 9 in Philipstown.

Soon after, a deputy tried to stop the vehicle traveling north near Indian Brook Road. After the vehicle stopped and the deputy made contact, the driver then fled and was pursued northbound into Fishkill, and onto I-84 east.

The vehicle then ran off the roadway and burst into flames west of the Lime Kiln Road exit. Two passengers were quickly captured, but the driver fled into the woods.

After a perimeter was established with the help of the NY State Police, police from East Fishkill and Fishkill found the suspect around 4:30 p.m., and took him into custody.

Brandon C. Waller, 23, of Brooklyn was charged with misdemeanor second-degree reckless endangerment, misdemeanor second-degree criminal impersonation, misdemeanor second-degree obstructing governmental administration, misdemeanor resisting arrest, misdemeanor third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor reckless driving. He also received several tickets for vehicle/traffic violations.

The two passengers were not charged.

Waller is scheduled to appear in the Town of Philipstown Court at a future date.

During the police activity near I-84 on Monday, the Wappingers Central School District announced a lockout and delayed dismissal at John Jay High School as a safety precaution. There were also significant dismissal delays for elementary schools. In addition, East Fishkill police had an increased presence during dismissal, and any buses in the area were escorted by a police cruiser.