Fired Thruway Worker Tries To Set Fire To State Vehicle: Police

CANAAN, NY — A Dutchess County man, who was recently fired from the state Thruway Authority, was accused of trying to set fire to a state vehicle. The New York State Police said Bradley R. Straley, 37, of Washington, was charged with second-degree attempted arson, a felony.

Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, Troop T patrols were called to the Canaan Toll Plaza for a report of arson. The toll plaza is located on Interstate 90 in the town of Canaan in Columbia County.

The investigation found that Straley, who was recently let go as a state Thruway employee, tried to light an occupied Thruway vehicle on fire.

He fled the scene before the troopers arrived, but was subsequently taken into custody by Troop K patrols on the Taconic State Parkway. No one was injured, police said.

Straley was arraigned virtually before the City of Hudson Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail or $15,000 bond.

He is next scheduled to appear before the court July 28.

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