Skip to main content


One Seriously Injured in Two Rhinebeck Crashes

Published: 12/18/2019

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson, 845-486-3860  

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into two separate crashes that resulted in one person being seriously injured, which occurred on Slate Quarry Road in Rhinebeck at approximately 1:45 pm on 12/17/19. 

Preliminary investigation has revealed that at the above date and time a 2004 Dodge Dakota pickup truck operated by Vincent Dillard Sr (age 56 of Warwarsing NY) was traveling westbound on Slate Quarry Rd when the operator lost control on a sharp curve, at which time the vehicle struck an earth embankment and came to rest in a driveway near White School House Road. While Mr. Dillard was out of his vehicle assessing the damage and changing a tire, he was struck by a 2018 Volkswagen GTI operated by Steven Gerlet II (age 47 of NYC). The Volkswagen had also been traveling westbound on Slate Quarry and lost control on the same sharp curve. Mr. Dillard was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

The investigation into both crashes is continuing by the Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, and at this time the contributing factors appear to be the weather combined with unsafe speed for the conditions. The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the State Police and Rhinebeck Fire Department, and more information may be released as it becomes available.