Man Crashes Into Multiple Police Vehicles During Chase in New York

36-year-old Stephen M. Preston of Cairo, New York faces multiple felony charges after intentionally striking five state police cars during a pursuit on the Taconic Parkway.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a wild chase on the Taconic Parkway, a 36-year-old Cairo man named Stephen M. Preston crashed his pickup truck into five New York State Police vehicles, leading to injuries for three officers and multiple felony charges against Preston.

Why it matters

High-speed chases and intentional collisions with law enforcement pose serious risks to public safety. This incident highlights the dangers that can arise when drivers refuse to comply with police orders, putting both officers and civilians at risk of harm.

The details

According to authorities, on February 11th around 3pm, a New York State Trooper attempted to pull over Preston's 2010 Ford pickup truck for traffic violations on State Route 82 in the Town of Livingston. Preston failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued as the vehicles entered the Taconic State Parkway. During the chase, Preston intentionally struck five marked state police cars, causing damage to all of them. Police were ultimately able to stop Preston's vehicle by deploying a stinger device, which deflated his tires.

  • On February 11th around 3pm, the initial traffic stop occurred on State Route 82 in the Town of Livingston.
  • The chase then moved onto the Taconic State Parkway.

The players

Stephen M. Preston

A 36-year-old man from Cairo, New York who was the sole occupant and driver of the Ford pickup truck involved in the chase and collisions with police vehicles.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that attempted the initial traffic stop and pursued Preston, ultimately disabling his vehicle using a stinger device.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Preston was arraigned in the Town of Milan Court and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center. The three injured state troopers were transported to local hospitals for treatment of their non-life-threatening injuries.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the dangers that can arise when drivers refuse to comply with police orders, putting both officers and civilians at risk. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the consequences that can result from reckless behavior on the roads.