POWNAL — A New York man faces multiple charges including DUI after fleeing a police checkpoint and causing a collision at a Pownal intersection Monday evening.
Michael B. Starkey, 44, of Hoosick Falls, was arrested after allegedly evading a joint Vermont-New York State Police checkpoint on Route 346 around 6:40 p.m.
According to police, New York State Troopers observed Starkey approach their checkpoint, turn around, and flee when they attempted to initiate a traffic stop with lights and sirens.
Starkey crossed the state border into Vermont at high speed before failing to yield at the intersection of Vermont Route 346 and North Pownal Road, where he struck a vehicle driven by Wendy S. Gipp, 64, of Williamstown.
Vermont State Troopers witnessed the collision and observed Starkey attempting to leave the scene before they detained him.
During the investigation, troopers determined Starkey showed signs of alcohol impairment and was operating with a criminally suspended license.
Both vehicles sustained disabling front-end damage, but no injuries were reported.
Starkey was cited to appear in Vermont Superior Court – Bennington Division on June 30 at 8:30 a.m. to face charges of DUI #3, gross negligent operation, driving with a criminally suspended license #5, and leaving the scene of an accident.
He also received civil violation complaints for failure to yield to emergency vehicles, unreasonable speed for conditions, failure to yield at an intersection, and disregarding a yield sign.
