Kingston Man Indicted, Arraigned In Fatal DUI Crash: Prosecutors

A Kingston man is accused of driving under the influence of several drugs at the time of a fatal December crash in Hyde Park.

Richard Rider, 46, of Kingston, is facing two counts: first-degree vehicular manslaughter, and driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs.

A Dutchess County grand jury returned an indictment against Rider, who was arraigned last week, according to Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi.

The crash happened Dec. 14, 2025, in the late afternoon on Albany Post Road in Hyde Park. Prosecutors said Rider was driving northbound on Albany Post Road when he failed to maintain his lane and crashed his white Ford F-150 into a southbound Honda Accord.

The Honda was being driven by 28-year-old Alijah M. Johnson of Hyde Park, who was killed.

According to the district attorney’s office, an analysis of Rider’s blood showed the presence of Clonazepam, Diazepam, Nordiazepam, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and Methadone.

Parisi called the case “heartbreaking and preventable.”

“Driving while impaired, whether by alcohol, prescription medications, illegal drugs, or any combination thereof endangers every person on our roadways,” Parisi said. “We will continue to pursue accountability in cases where impaired driving results in death. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Johnson’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward through the judicial process.”

Rider was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail. Bail was set at $750,000 cash, $1.5 million bond and $3 million partially secured bond. Rider’s next court date is March 30.

The victim left behind many family members and friends, and he was known for his love of music and sports, according to his obituary.

“He enjoyed playing Xbox, traveling, and staying active, especially in his younger years when he participated in various sports,” Johnson’s obituary says. “Known for his warm smile, open-minded spirit, patience, and kindness, Alijah left a lasting impression on everyone he met.”