Cops Stop Couple on Thruway; Man Now Faces Rape Charge

State Police conducting a sobriety check point on the NYS Thruway at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 21 saw a vehicle traveling through the check point with an equipment violation.

Ronald P. McCarthy, 21, of Wawarsing, NY was stopped and then interviewed, as officers suspected he was driving drunk.

He and his passenger gave conflicting information regarding their prior travel and intended destination, police said.

Further investigation revealed that the passenger was a 14-year-old who had left her parent’s house without their knowledge. Police took McCarthy into custody for endangering the welfare of a child and transported him to the state police station in Tarrytown.

Then, police said, further investigation revealed that McCarthy and the girl had engaged in sexual intercourse the previous night.

He was additionally charged with Rape 2nd degree, a class D felony, arraigned in the Town of Orangetown Court and sent to Rockland County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail.

PHOTO: Ronald P. McCarthy/NYSP