Man Arrested For Crashing Into 3 School Buildings: Sheriff

WALLKILL, NY — The man who was accused of crashing his car into three separate school buildings was arrested.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said Jason D. Hepper, 33, of Walden, was charged with felony second-degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired by combined influence of drugs and alcohol and reckless driving.

Additionally, he was charged with drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle and multiple moving and lane violations.

On Nov. 20, sheriff’s deputies said they saw a vehicle being driven by Hepper off the roadway facing the Wallkill Central School District administrative building’s front entrance.

He was then seen intentionally driving his car into the front of the building, resulting in significant damage to the front door.

Hepper fled from the scene, authorities said, as deputies approached him.

As he fled, he struck a utility pole a short distance away and eventually came to rest off of the roadway, sheriff’s deputies said.

An investigation found Hepper had also intentionally driven his car into Bordin Middle School and Wallkill Senior High School located in the town of Shawangunk, authorities said, causing significant damage.

Hepper was taken to Garnet Health Medical Center, where he was admitted for minor injuries he sustained from striking the buildings and utility pole.

He was released from the hospital Nov. 30 and was immediately arrested by members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office.

Hepper was arraigned in the Town of Shawangunk Justice Court and was released on his own recognizance. He was ordered to appear in court on a future date and time.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by members of the Walden Police Department, Wallkill Fire Department, LifeNet and Wallkill Rescue.