Tragedy On The Highway As Driver In Crisis Takes His Own Life : Sheriff

RHINEBECK, NY — A tragic scene on a Hudson Valley highway played out as law enforcement tried to deescalate a fraught situation, according to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation has now been opened into the death of a man on NY Route 9G in Rhinebeck.

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At approximately 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, law enforcement received a report of an armed suicidal person traveling in the northern Dutchess County area, according to the sheriff's office. The vehicle was eventually located and stopped on Route 9G, just south of Route 9 in Rhinebeck, soon after which the driver took his own life with a firearm at approximately 12:40 p.m., as law enforcement was attempting to establish a dialogue with him and check his welfare, officials said.

"At this time there is no indication that any type of law enforcement force was used or contributed to the person's death, however because police were involved in the incident the New York State Attorney General's Office was contacted as required by law," Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati said in a statement. "At this time the investigation is being led by the New York State Attorney General's Office assisted by the Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, and Dutchess County Medical Examiner. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time due to the nature of the circumstances and the ongoing investigation, and more information may be
released at a later time."