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One Car Crash in LaGrange; Civilians and Deputy Act Quickly to Save Victim


Published: 7/10/2015

For More Information Contact:

Captain John Watterson 845-486-3860

Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into a car accident which occurred on 7/9/15 just before 12 pm on Titusville Road in the Town of LaGrange. In addition several civilians and the responding Sheriff’s Deputy acted quickly to remove the victim from the vehicle and render first aid before the arrival of EMS, actions which were critical to the victim’s survival.

On the above date and time Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Titusville Road near Titusville Heights for a report of a one-car crash, and upon arrival it was learned that there was one victim. The driver/sole occupant, Ronald P. Price (age 58 of Poughkeepsie) was transported to Vassar Hospital for further treatment, and is alive at this time however is thought to be in serious condition.

Preliminary investigation has showed that Mr. Price was operating a 2004 Peterbilt 6-wheel dump truck eastbound on Titusville Rd when he began to experience chest pains. Mr. Price called a family member to tell them that he was having chest pains and to have an ambulance meet him at his destination. After hanging up the phone it is believed that Mr. Price then lost consciousness, at which time the vehicle crossed over the center pavement markings and struck a guiderail. At this time the medical emergency is thought to be the sole cause of the crash, and it appears as though the crash itself didn’t cause any injuries (only injury is the initial cardiac issue).

Immediately after the crash occurred several witnesses and area residents rushed to the vehicle, removed Mr. Price, and immediately began life-saving measures. The responding Sheriff’s Deputy joined them when he arrived, and all of these individuals acted as a team to try and help Mr. Price and give him the best chance to survive. Their efforts were instrumental in providing critical initial care to Mr. Price before EMS arrived, and the outcome may have been very different had it not been for their quick actions. Sheriff Anderson and the entire Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize and thank the following people for their extraordinary efforts in helping Mr. Price in the moments after the crash. All of them put their personal safety aside during a time of need to try and save someone that they had never met.

  • Deputy Sheriff Aaron Malone
  • Trinity Lattin-Lioi of Pleasant Valley
  • Tarhene Finch of Poughkeepsie
  • Sherema Finch of Poughkeepsie
  • Frank Chastain of Poughkeepsie
  • Damien Catapano of LaGrange, who is also a Town of Union Vale Volunteer Firefighter
  • John Catapano of LaGrange

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Town of LaGrange Fire Department, and more information may be released as it becomes available.