Police: Dutchess County Man Fled Police on Motorcycle on Dutchess Rail Trail

A Dutchess County man is accused of illegally riding his motorcycle on the Dutchess Rail Trail and then leading police on a high-speed chase.

New York State Police charged Daniel V. Barker, 26, of Poughkeepsie with unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and reckless driving, all misdemeanors.

Friday around 11:00 p.m., Troopers observed a motorcycle traveling south on the Dutchess County Rail Trail in the Town of LaGrange. Knowing that the rail trail is for pedestrian or bicycle traffic only, the Trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of Titusville Road.

Police say, despite the patrol vehicle having emergency lighting and sirens activated, Barker exited the rail trail and traveled several miles before he stopped in the area of Lauer Road where he was placed in custody.

An investigation revealed that Barker was operating the unregistered motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement on his driver’s license. Barker also allegedly possessed the controlled substance Lisdexamfetamine, without a valid prescription.

Barker was issued appearance tickets directing him to appear in the Town of LaGrange Justice Court at a later date.