A Catskill man is behind bars after deputies say he led them on a chase down State Route 9W in a stolen pickup truck, crashed near Cementon, and then bolted into the woods on foot before officers tracked him down. Greene County deputies identified the driver as Michael Makoske, 25.
Chase Stretched More Than 10 Miles
The pursuit covered more than 10 miles along Route 9W before it ended in a crash, according to Porcupine Soup News. The chase began after the Greene County Sheriff's Office received word around 8:40 p.m. Thursday that a vehicle reported stolen in Columbia County was heading south on Route 9W, according to WNYT. Deputies located the stolen vehicle, a 1998 Chevrolet S10, traveling south on Route 9W in the Town of Athens, per the sheriff's office account relayed by WNYT.
When deputies attempted to pull the truck over, the driver failed to stop, according to investigators cited by the station. The chase continued south on Route 9W until the driver failed to make a curve and crashed near Cementon, per investigators. He then ran from the truck into the woods, according to deputies, before responding deputies caught him.
Stolen Truck Traveled From Albany County Into Greene County
The pickup had traveled south from Albany County into Greene County before deputies caught up with it, according to the Greene County account relayed by WNYT.
New York State Police assisted the Greene County Sheriff's Office in the response, along with Catskill Ambulance, the Catskill Fire Department, and the Greene County Emergency Control Center, according to WNYT.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Filed
Makoske was charged with felony fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and felony third-degree criminal mischief, along with misdemeanor third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and reckless driving, the Greene County outlet reported. WNYT's account adds that he also faces several additional vehicle and traffic law violations. Under New York Penal Law § 165.45, possessing a stolen motor vehicle valued above $100 constitutes a Class E felony carrying up to four years in prison, according to FindLaw.
Held Without Bail, More Charges Possible
Makoske was arraigned in Town of Athens Court and sent to Greene County Jail without bail, per WNYT's reporting.
The Greene County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are possible.
