Academy Recruits Help Apprehend Larceny Suspect

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports assisting with an investigation of a larceny that occurred on Parker Avenue, in the City of Poughkeepsie, at approximately 01:45 pm on December 22nd, 2025. 

While out conducting a Physical Fitness test on the North Side Trail, Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy recruits sprang into action when a civilian alerted the police recruits that a package had just been stolen from her front porch on Parker Avenue.

The victim provided Ring Doorbell footage of the responsible party, who had fled onto the trail where the recruits were conducting their testing.  Recruits alerted DCSO Academy staff and together they were able to locate and detain the subject in question.  Evidence of the crime was also located and recovered by the recruits on the trail, which the suspect had attempted to dispose of.

This subject was found to be in possession of stolen property and turned over to the City of Poughkeepsie PD, who were interviewing the victim during this time.  Items recovered included stolen Christmas presents for the victim’s children, which were sent by a family member.  The property was returned to the victim, and the investigation was handled by the City of Poughkeepsie.   

Despite being a few months away from their graduation, the Academy recruits showed they are ready to serve the residents in and around Dutchess County.  Their fast thinking and actions helped stop a real-life Grinch from spoiling Christmas for a local family.