Police nab hit-and-run motorcycle suspect

On Sunday, September 8, Town of Chester Police Officer Michael Dunlop and K9 Lou were in a marked patrol vehicle stopped at a red traffic signal on Kings Highway when the patrol vehicle was allegedly rear-ended by a motorcycle which then fled the scene.

According to the police report, Officer Dunlop “attempted to stop the motorcycle, but it failed to comply and a vehicle pursuit continued through the village of Chester, where additional village police cars were struck by the motorcyclist, and then into the town of Goshen.”

The motorcyclist then allegedly drove into a wooded area that opened into a field. The police continued their search and eventually found the motorcycle operator on Laurel Court by an Orange County sheriff’s deputy. The motorcycle itself was later found in a nearby wooded area.

Daniel F. O’Keefe Jr., 26, of Monroe was charged with unlawfully fleeing a police officer in the third degree and criminal mischief in the fourth degree, misdemeanors, as well as multiple vehicle and traffic violations. He was released on an appearance ticket for Chester Town Court.