State Police Middletown arrest Warrensburg, NY man following a pursuit

On Monday, September 4, 2017, at approximately 6:20 pm, Troopers observed a white Pontiac Grand Am wanted for a burglary in New Jersey, traveling westbound on State Route 17 in the town of Wallkill. Troopers initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to comply and a pursuit was initiated. The vehicle continued west on 17, exited at 121 W onto Interstate 84 traveling westbound.

While on Interstate 84, the driver, Michael A. Masonius, 25, of Warrensburg, NY, crossed the median on several occasions traveling in the opposite direction of travel, putting multiple operators in danger. During the pursuit, the driver also attempted to pass an ambulance, hitting the rear of the vehicle, and also side swiping the passenger side of the ambulance. The pursuit ended when State Police were able to maneuver the driver and vehicle into the center median of the interstate. Masonius exited the vehicle and a brief foot pursuit ensued. He was taken into custody a short time later by State Police.

Masonius is charged with Reckless Endangerment 1^st degree (felony), Assault 2^nd degree (felony), Menacing a Police Officer (felony), Criminal Mischief 2nd degree(felony) Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (misdemeanor), Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5^th degree (misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (misdemeanor), Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd degree (misdemeanor), Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree(misdemeanor), and Reckless Endangerment (misdemeanor).

He was remanded to Orange County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash of $150,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear on September 6, 2017 at 5:30 pm.