Man Dies Falling From Cliff While Being Chased By Police

DURHAM, NY — A Greene County man died Monday night after he fell from a cliff while trying to get away from a state trooper.

The New York State Police said, around 11:30 p.m. Monday, a trooper saw a 1994 Ford F-150 pickup truck in violation of state vehicle and traffic laws on Route 67 in the town of Durham.

A traffic stop was initiated at the intersection of Route 67 and O'Hara Road.

As the trooper approached the truck, Christopher Stanton, 40, of the village of Tannersville, fled on foot from the front passenger seat, police said

Stanton, who police said had multiple felony bench warrants, fled into a wooded area on the west side of the road.

Police said the trooper followed him and found the man lying at the bottom of a steep rock embankment.

Authorities said the trooper made his way down the embankment and rendered first aid until additional emergency personnel arrived.

The Greene County Sheriff's Office, Greenville EMS and Greene County Paramedics arrived and assisted with first aid as well as getting the man back up the embankment.

Stanton was taken to Albany Medical Center by helicopter where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the state police and the state attorney general's office.