HYDE PARK, PA — A Hyde Park man was arrested and charged Tuesday in connection with a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred on Dec. 14 at the intersection of State Route 9 and Huyler Drive, according to the Town of Hyde Park Police Department.
Police said the crash happened at approximately 4:21 p.m. when a white 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck, operated by Richard Charles Rider, 46, of Hyde Park, crossed the double yellow center line and struck a southbound 2010 Honda Accord.
The driver of the Honda Accord, Alijah M. Johnson, 28, of Hyde Park, sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
Rider was arrested at his residence on Jan. 29 at approximately 7:29 a.m. and transported to the Hyde Park Police Department.
He was charged with vehicular manslaughter in the first degree, driving while ability impaired by drugs in the first degree, and failure to keep right.
Police said this marks Rider’s sixth arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Before this incident, Rider maintained a valid driver’s license despite five prior arrests.
Rider was arraigned in Hyde Park Justice Court before Judge Michael Plass and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail on $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $2,000,000 partially secured bond with 10% cash option.
He is scheduled to return to Hyde Park Justice Court on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 3:30 p.m.
As a result of the charges, Rider’s driver’s license was suspended.
Police said the arrest followed completion of a lengthy investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office and various units of the New York State Police.
The investigation concluded after receiving toxicology results from Rider’s blood sample, authorities said.
