Driver Crashes Stolen Dump Truck into Onondaga Lake After Police Pursuit

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New York State Police arrested a 43-year-old man, Dennis J. Williamson, after he led them on a pursuit in a stolen 2012 Ford F-550 dump truck that ended with the vehicle crashing into Onondaga Lake. The incident began when Manlius Police attempted to pull Williamson over for traffic violations, leading to a chase that spanned several miles and involved the suspect striking a state police vehicle before the truck entered the lake and became disabled.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the risks posed by individuals operating stolen vehicles, which can endanger public safety. It also raises questions about the suspect's criminal history and mental state, as he had nine active warrants at the time of the incident.

The details

According to authorities, the pursuit began around 2:11 p.m. on April 9, 2026, when Manlius Police attempted to stop Williamson for traffic violations. A New York State Police trooper then located the vehicle and tried to initiate a traffic stop, but Williamson failed to comply. After stop sticks were deployed, Williamson continued to flee for several miles on damaged tires before briefly stopping, where two troopers attempted to take him into custody. Williamson then accelerated, striking a marked state police vehicle before the chase continued into the village of Liverpool, where the dump truck entered Onondaga Lake and became disabled. Williamson was then taken into custody after a brief struggle along the shoreline.

• The incident began around 2:11 p.m. on April 9, 2026, when Manlius Police attempted to stop Williamson.
• The pursuit spanned several miles before ending with the dump truck entering Onondaga Lake.

What’s next

Williamson was transported to Upstate University Hospital for evaluation of minor injuries and subsequently released. He was then processed at the State Police North Syracuse barracks and charged with multiple crimes, including Criminal Mischief, Driving While Ability Impaired, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Resisting Arrest. He was also issued numerous traffic citations. Williamson was then turned over to the Manlius Police Department for additional charges, including Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Reckless Endangerment, and Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer. He was arraigned in Onondaga County Court and remanded to the Onondaga County Justice Center.