Wappinger man arrested following road rage incident

Beekman, New York – On March 14, 2019, the New York State Police from the Poughkeepsie barracks arrested James A. Murphy, age 40, of Wappinger, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3^rd degree, a class D felony, Menacing in the 1^st degree, class E felony, and Criminal Mischief in the 4^th degree, a class A misdemeanor.

Troopers were dispatched to Beekman Road for a report of a road rage incident at approximately 7:00 p.m.  Investigation found Murphy began tailgating the victim and making obscene gestures for unknown reasons.  Murphy then passed the victim in a no passing zone and stopped his vehicle blocking traffic.  Murphy exited his vehicle, and then menaced the victim with a piece of wood.  The victim attempted to film the incident, at which time Murphy broke the victim’s phone.  A good Samaritan exited his vehicle and confronted Murphy who then fled the scene.

Murphy was arraigned before the town of Beekman Court and remanded by the Honorable Judge Ferris to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 secure bond.  Murphy is next scheduled to appear before the Court on March 21, 2019, at 6:00 p.m.

This investigation remains on-going, if anyone witnessed this incident or believes they were a victim of a crime committed by James Murphy in the past they are asked to please contact Investigator DuBois at Troop K Headquarters (845) 677-7300.