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Woman Allegedly Attempts To Hit Officer, Slams Into Police Car In Dutchess

A woman attempted to hit a local officer with her vehicle, ramming a police cruiser, and then taking officers on a slow-speed chase that ended in a crash, according to authorities.

Rhinebeck Bank

Rhinebeck Bank

Photo Credit: Google Maps street view

The incident began around 7:50 a.m., Monday, Nov. 30, when the Hyde Park Police were dispatched to the Rhinebeck Savings Bank located at 1075 Violet Ave. for a reported suspicious vehicle.

Officers arrived at the scene and attempted to interview the sole occupant of a 1992 Honda Accord, 49-year-old Grace Chefalo, of Poughkeepsie, said Hyde Park Police Chief Robert Benson.

When police approached, Chefalo allegedly attempted to run over one of the Hyde Park Police officers, Benson said.

The officer was able to jump out of the way of being struck, the vehicle then fled south on Route 9G. Two officers attempted to stop Chefalo again on Route 9G and she struck one of the Hyde Park Police vehicles, Benson said.

After striking the cruiser, Chefalo continued to travel south on Route 9G toward Poughkeepsie, traveling at low speeds, but still refusing to stop, he added.

While fleeing, Chefalo ran a red light and collided with a Honda CRV driven by a 58-year-old Hyde Park woman.

The Honda was traveling westbound from East Dorsey Lane crossing Route 9G when it was struck. 

Both occupants were transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital and treated for their injuries. 

During the incident, a Hyde Park Police officer suffered a hand injury and was treated and released with minor injuries. 

The road was closed for a few hours while the Dutchess County Sheriffs Office conducted accident reconstruction.

The Hyde Park Police were assisted by the Fairview Fire Department, Mobil Life Paramedics, Fairview Fire Department, The Dutchess County Sheriffs Office, and the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response.

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