Man Convicted After Violent Outburst at Gas Station

Anthony Vanriper faces sentencing for charges including criminal mischief and resisting arrest

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A 43-year-old Orange County man named Anthony Vanriper was convicted by a jury on charges including third-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after a series of incidents at a gas station in the Village of Walden in December 2024. Vanriper started a fight, damaged property, and threatened people, leading to multiple police responses before he was eventually arrested and taken into custody.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges police officers face in dealing with erratic and aggressive behavior, as well as the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that disrupt public safety and cause property damage. The conviction also raises questions about mental health resources and de-escalation training for law enforcement.

The details

According to prosecutors, on December 11, 2024, Village of Walden police responded to a report of a fight in progress at a local gas station. They found Vanriper being physically restrained by several people who said he had started the altercation. Vanriper was told to leave without charges. Police soon returned after being notified that Vanriper was allegedly damaging property, and again told him to go home without arrest. When police responded a third time, they found Vanriper "erratic, aggressive and non-compliant" and threatening people. After being unable to de-escalate the situation, officers tried to arrest Vanriper, but he refused to be handcuffed, walked away, and began smoking and drinking. Additional officers arrived to assist, and Vanriper was eventually arrested and taken to the police station. While in a holding cell, he repeatedly kicked and destroyed the toilet, causing $875 in damage.

  • On December 11, 2024, police responded to the initial report of a fight in progress.
  • Later that same day, police returned after being notified Vanriper was damaging property.
  • Police responded a third time that day to find Vanriper threatening people at the gas station.
  • Vanriper was convicted by a jury on March 9, 2026.
  • Vanriper is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2026.

The players

Anthony Vanriper

A 43-year-old man from Pine Bush, New York who was convicted of third-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct after a series of incidents at a gas station in the Village of Walden.

David M. Hoovler

The Orange County District Attorney who announced Vanriper's conviction and thanked the law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

Village of Walden Police Department

The police department that responded to the multiple calls about Vanriper's behavior and ultimately arrested him.

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What they’re saying

“Police officers do a thankless and often dangerous job every day to make and keep our streets safe. There was no reason for the events of this case to have occurred and the defendant's unjustified conduct deserves to be accounted for. I commend the work of the law enforcement professionals who were involved in this case and I am proud of the dedication of the prosecutor responsible for securing the conviction before a jury of the defendant's peers.”

— David M. Hoovler, Orange County District Attorney (Patch.com)

What’s next

Vanriper is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2026 after being remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail following his conviction.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges police face in dealing with aggressive and erratic behavior, as well as the importance of holding individuals accountable for actions that disrupt public safety and cause property damage. It also raises questions about the need for improved mental health resources and de-escalation training for law enforcement.