Fleeing Vehicle Crashes Into a Southeast Pond

Putnam County Sheriff Robert L. Langley, Jr. reports the arrest of a 32-year-old Brewster man on multiple charges after he crashed into a pond off Route 22 in the Town of Southeast while trying to evade a deputy.

On February 23, 2018, at approximately 1:17 a.m. Deputy Sheriff Michael Diveglio, while on patrol in Southeast, observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Route 22. He further observed the vehicle proceed through a steady red light at the Route 312 intersection, almost causing an accident with another vehicle.

The deputy activated his emergency lights in an attempt to effectuate a traffic stop but the vehicle sped on, traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour. The Deputy, who had lost sight of the car, came to the intersection of Route 22 and Doansburg Road and began to canvass the area until finally, he saw a damaged guard-rail and the same vehicle floating in a pond located on the other side of the guardrail.

The driver, Mercer B. Given, age 32 of Brewster, was observed climbing out of the car. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Given was operating the vehicle while in an intoxicated condition.

Mr. Given was arrested and charged with Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a felony, Driving While Intoxicated and several traffic violations. He was arraigned by the Honorable Kevin Douchkoff of the Kent Justice Court and released for a future court date in the Town of Southeast.

Deputy Frank McDonough, and Sergeant Timothy Keith assisted Deputy Diveglio at the scene. Additionally, Brewster Fire Department members and the Mahopac Falls Dive Team assisted with removing the car from the pond.