Arrest Made In Fatal 4-Car Crash

NEW PALTZ, NY — State police announced the arrest of a Poughkeepsie man who led authorities on a high-speed chase that ended in the death of a New Paltz woman. Police said Ryan B. Williams, 29, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, first-degree unlawfully fleeing a police office and first-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, all felonies.

He was also charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, misdemeanors.

Williams was arrested as a result of the investigation of a motor vehicle accident July 1 on State Route 299 in the Town of Lloyd that took the life of Danielle M. Pecoraro, 39, of New Paltz.

Around 7:30 p.m. July 1, the Town of Lloyd Police Department responded to a report of an erratic driver. The car, a 2008 Porsche Cayenne driven by Williams, was located, police said, and they tried to get him to stop.

He did not comply and fled westbound on State Route 299 at a high rate of speed, police said.

Members of the state police assisted Lloyd police with the pursuit.

Police said, as the Porsche approached the intersection at South Street, it struck the side of a 2008 Ford.

The Porsche then crossed over into the eastbound lane and struck a 2018 Ford pickup, driven by Pecoraro, head on. A 2016 Toyota then struck the rear of the Porsche.

Williams was taken to Westchester Medical Center. Pecoraro was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ulster County Medical Examiner's Office.

The passenger in Pecoraro's truck was her daughter Mercedees Rosado, 24, of New Paltz. She was injured and was taken to the hospital.

Williams was arraigned in the Town of Lloyd Justice Court and sent to the Ulster County Jail without bail pending a future court appearance.

State police were assisted by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.

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