For More Information Contact:
Captain John Watterson
(845) 486-3860
The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of Dustin Hale, age 17 of Pine Plains, as result of the investigation into the double-fatal auto accident which occurred on Schultz Hill Road in Pine Plains on 8/29/13. Mr. Hale was the operator in the crash during which Zachary Pruner (16) and Gian Paolo Stagnaro (17) were killed.
Mr. Hale was arrested at the Pine Plains Court by Sheriff’s Office Detectives during the evening of 10/30/13, and has been charged with one (1) count of aggravated vehicular homicide (Class B Felony). After being processed Mr. Hale was arraigned at the Town of Pine Plains Court, and was released to the supervision of probation with electronic monitoring.
Investigation has revealed that Mr. Hale allegedly caused the death of the 2 people above while operating his vehicle in a reckless manner and in an impaired condition. Any further details will be withheld at this time in order to preserve ongoing court proceedings. As in any criminal case, the charges described above are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. More information may be released as it becomes available.