Bronx man arrested for drug possession after vehicle pursuit from Pawling to Amenia
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Robert C. Gregory
Troop K Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Pawling, New York – On January 24, 2018, the New York State Police from the Dover Plains barracks arrested Halil Cekaj, age 23, of Bronx, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th degree, a class C felony, Reckless Endangerment in the 1st degree, a class D felony, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree, a class E felony, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree, Resisting Arrest, Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the 3rddegree, all class A misdemeanors, Unlawful Possession of Marihuana, a violation, and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.
On January 24, 2018, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Troopers attempted to initiated a traffic stop of a Volkswagen Jetta on State Route 22 in the town of Pawling for a violation of the vehicle and traffic law. The operator upon activation of the emergency lights increased speed and led Troopers on a pursuit until losing control and crashing on State Route 22 in the Wassaic area of Amenia. The operator later identified as Halil Cekaj resisted arrest but was detained and placed in a State Police vehicle. Once inside Cekaj began kicking and caused damaged to the vehicle.
Further investigation found Cekaj to be in possession of approximately 2.4 grams of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, and a collapsible baton.
Troopers were assisted on scene by Dutchess County Sherriff’s Deputies.
Cekaj was arraigned before the town of Dover and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash bail or $100,000 bond.
