Hudson Valley Driver Gets Prison Time For Fatal DUI Crash

HYDE PARK, NY — A motorist who drove under the influence and caused a fatal crash last December has been sentenced to serve up to 15 years in prison.

Richard C. Rider, 47, of Hyde Park, was sentenced in Dutchess County Court this week.

Rider had previously entered a guilty plea to first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and to driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs.

Judge Karen Edelman-Reyes imposed a sentence of 7.5 to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter count, and 16 months to four years for the impairment count.

The crash happened Dec. 14, 2025, around 4:20 p.m. on Albany Post Road in Hyde Park.

Prosecutors said Rider was operating a white Ford F-150 northbound when he crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Honda Accord head-on, killing the driver, Alijah M. Johnson, 28, of Hyde Park.

Toxicological analysis of Rider's blood revealed the presence of multiple impairing substances, including Clonazepam, Diazepam, Nordiazepam, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and Methadone, according to the district attorney’s office.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi called the case a “tragic reminder of the consequences of choosing to operate a vehicle while impaired.”

“No sentence can undo the devastating loss of Alijah Johnson's life or repair the immeasurable harm suffered by his loved ones,” Parisi said.

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