Speeding Driver Who Fled From Traffic Stop Is Linked To Hit-And-Run Earlier In The Day: Sheriff

SOUTHEAST, NY — An arrest was made after police pursuit in Southeast — then damning new information became available, according to authorities

Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Patrick Vasi Jr., age 36, of Putnam Valley, following a dramatic vehicle pursuit that occurred in the Town of Southeast.

On Thursday, at approximately 7:40 a.m., the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit was conducting targeted speed enforcement on Deans Corner Road in the Town of Southeast. That enforcement initiative was taking place in the same area where a fatal motor vehicle collision had occurred earlier this week, according to the Sheriff's Office.

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The Traffic Unit spotted Vasi Jr. driving a speeding white BMW SUV that was passing other vehicles and school busses. The Deputy attempted to stop the BMW however, Vasi Jr. refused to pull over, leading to a vehicle pursuit.

The pursuit continued southbound onto Route 121, where deputies ultimately lost visual contact with the vehicle near the Westchester County line.

The vehicle was later located abandoned on Route 121 in the Town of North Salem by the New York State Police. At approximately 8:38 a.m., Vasi Jr. was located at the Goldens Bridge Train Station and taken into custody by New York State Police units.

As a result of this incident, Vasi Jr. was charged with reckless endangerment, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and a slew of traffic violations.

Further investigation determined that Vasi Jr. was also the suspect in a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision that occurred earlier the same morning at approximately 7:06 a.m. in the Town of Putnam Valley, during which another motorist sustained injuries.

Vasi Jr. was then additionally charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury motor vehicle accident in connection with that incident.

"The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Westchester–Putnam Real Time Crime Center, New York State Police, MTA Police Department, Lewisboro Police Department, the North Salem Police Department, and the Village of Brewster Police Department for their assistance with this incident," Sheriff Hess said, "This individual demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of others. Reckless driving place innocent lives at risk and will not be tolerated in Putnam County. Those who choose to engage in this type of dangerous behavior will be held accountable. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured as a result of today’s incident.”