Yesterday night at approximately 9:40 p.m troopers stopped a 2001 Toyota Tacoma with a tow dolly on the Taconic State Parkway traveling north in the town of East Fishkill. During the stop troopers learned the operator of the vehicle, Thomas E. McGrath, 50, of Cresco, PA was wanted on several warrants. McGrath then fled the scene.
The pursuit continued on to Interstate 84 westbound across the Newburgh Beacon Bridge and into the town of Montgomery. State police were assisted by Town of Newburgh Police. At approximately 10:20 p.m. the subject attempted to pass an uninvolved 1999 Nissan Pathfinder at which time the tow dolly made contact with the Pathfinder and caused the suspect to lose control of the vehicle and overturn. Troopers attempted to remove McGrath from the vehicle when it became fully engulfed in flames with the operator inside. He was pronounced deceased at the scene
The operator of the Nissan Pathfinder complained of neck pain and was transported to Orange Regional Medical Center for evaluation.
During the pursuit, no state police or town of Newburgh vehicles were struck. The pursuit lasted approximately 20 minutes and covered 23 miles.