For More Information Contact:
Captain John Watterson, 845-486-3860
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a violent disturbance which occurred at approximately 7:15 am on 3/25/13, along with the arrest of one suspect.
Sheriff’s Deputies and State Police Troopers responded to 3 Surrey La in the Town of Wappinger (Chelsea Ridge Apts) on the above date and time in response to a 911 call for a disturbance involving a knife. Upon arrival it was discovered that there were four parties involved, and they were all injured to varying degrees. Three of the parties were identified as the victims, and one as the suspect. All four parties were transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment. The actual identities of the victims in this case will not be released to protect their privacy, however the offender is known to the victims and there is an active order of protection in place against him.
The suspect in this case has been identified as Garth Waite, age 28 of Brooklyn NY. Mr. Waite is accused of entering the apartment and arguing with one of the victims, at which time he came into possession of a kitchen knife. Mr. Waite is accused of injuring two of the victims with the knife and with his hands, and the other one only with his hands (punching them). It appears that Mr. Waite then may have injured himself by using the knife to cut & stab himself. The three victims were treated for non-life threatening facial & arm injuries, and Mr. Waite was treated for the more serious knife wounds. Mr. Waite is charged with the following:
Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Class D Felony)
Aggravated Family Offense (Class E Felony)
Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree (Class E Felony)
Assault 2nd Degree (Class D Felony)
Assault 3rd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Mr. Waite was arraigned at the hospital before a Town of Poughkeepsie Court Judge, and was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash/$100,000 bond. The investigation is continuing by members of the Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Detective Divisions, with the assistance of the State Police. As in all criminal cases the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.