Tire Deflation Device Brings I-84 Stolen Car Chase To An Abrupt End

SOUTHEAST, NY — Car thieves attempted to evade justice, but the effort fell flat, according to police.

On Thursday, at approximately 1:15 a.m., New York State Police at East Fishkill assisted the Village of Wappingers Falls Police Department after a reported stolen Jeep failed to comply with a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit on Interstate 84 eastbound in Fishkill.

A second New York State Police unit saw the vehicle traveling eastbound on I-84 and successfully deployed a tire deflation device near mile marker 65. The Jeep continued eastbound before becoming disabled near mile marker 68 in the town of Southeast, where all three in the Jeep fled on foot.

The occupants were all taken into custody shortly after fleeing the vehicle. They were identified as Adonis Tahmiek Rodriguez, 23; Rasheem Laquinn Evans, 19; and Shane D. Degroat, all of Richmond, New York.

An inventory of the vehicle before it was impounded revealed found oxycodone and fentanyl pills, according to police.

Rodriguez was arrested and charged with felony possession of stolen property, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Evans was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, obstructing governmental administration and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Degroat was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, false personation, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

All three were arraigned in the Town of Southeast Court. Degroat was remanded to the Putnam County Jail without bail, while Rodriguez and Evans were released on their own recognizance. All three are scheduled to return to court on Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.

Anyone with information abiut this incident is asked to contact New York State Police at 845-677-7300 and reference case number NY2601368988.

The New York State Police thanked the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Wappingers Falls Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.