SEE THE VIDEO BELOW
The Newburgh man who made regional headlines in June when he made racial slurs, waived a knife, and falsely claimed to be an off-duty New York State Trooper during a road rage incident pled guilty to criminal charges. The victim was an off-duty police lieutenant in the Town of Wallkill and a local pastor.
The Newburgh News first reported on the story here when it first occurred.
“I’m an off-duty Trooper, you stupid f***ing n*****,” the maniac exclaimed.
William Ryan, age 61 of the Town of Newburgh, pled guilty in Orange County Court to Menacing as a Hate Crime in the 2nd degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree. Under the plea agreement, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will recommend that he serve six months in county jail, five years of probation, and 500 hours of community service.
The incident occurred on June 11, 2022, when an off-duty Town of Wallkill Police Lieutenant was driving with his son in the City of Newburgh. Ryan engaged in a verbal dispute with the lieutenant before calling him a racial slur and driving off.
Ryan then allegedly followed the off-duty lieutenant and waived a knife at him. Ryan is accused of approaching the off-duty lieutenant’s vehicle, threatening him, and displaying a blade just inches away from the victim’s face. Ryan then reportedly left.
The incident did not stop there. Ryan then allegedly returned to confront the off-duty lieutenant again, this time cursing, using racial epithets, and jabbing the blade into the open window of the victim’s vehicle while threatening to stab him. Ryan then reportedly fled the scene.
The City of Newburgh Police Department was able to identify Ryan as the suspect. Police located him and arrested him. According to the District Attorney’s Office, Ryan admitted to being the perpetrator.
During the plea proceedings, Ryan admitted that he unlawfully possessed a knife and placed the off-duty lieutenant in fear of physical injury or death. He reportedly admitted that he was motivated to commit the offense due to the off-duty lieutenant’s race. He apologized for his actions.
Orange County District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for their investigation and the arrest of Ryan. “Hate has no place in our community,” he said. “This defendant’s reprehensible conduct is particularly troubling because of the hatred that motivated it.”
Hoovler added, “While thankfully no one was hurt during this violent episode, it is nevertheless a reminder that we must be diligent in addressing such conduct. I hope that not only does this defendant learn the consequences of his actions, but that the case stands as a warning to others that hate crimes will not be tolerated.”
