ICYMI: Suspected dump truck thief from Rome crashed into Onondaga Lake during pursuit

MANLIUS- A stolen dump truck from Oneida County has been recovered by authorities after the suspected thief led police on a chase before crashing it into Onondaga Lake.

According to New York State Police officials, Dennis J. Williamson, 43, of Rome, NY has been arrested and formally charged with one felony count each of criminal mischief in the second-degree; DWAI (w/a previous conviction within the decade) and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first-degree.

In addition, Troopers also charged Williamson with one misdemeanor count each of resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration in the second-degree.

It was Thursday afternoon when police in Manlius, NY began chasing a 2012 Ford F-550 Dump Truck when Williamson, the alleged driver, failed to comply for a traffic stop after patrols witnessed vehicle and traffic law violations.

Despite a successful deployment of stop sticks, Williamson kept going for several miles on damaged tires and at low speeds.

The chase came to a brief halt in the town of Clay, where Troopers tried to apprehend Williamson, but took off again and managed to smash into a State Police cruiser.

The pursuit finally ended the village of Liverpool, NY, where Williamson ended up driving right into Onondaga Lake.

Following a brief struggle along the shoreline, Williamson was taken into custody.

Police determined the rig was reported stolen from Taberg, NY.

Williamson was subsequently turned over to the Manlius Police Department for additional charges, including:

• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony)
• Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Reckless Driving (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 2nd Degree (Unclassified Misdemeanor)

He was also issued 16 additional Vehicle and Traffic Law citations by Manlius Police and another 10 Vehicle and Traffic Law citations from the State Police.

Williamson had nine active warrants and was transported to the Onondaga County (CAP) Court for arraignment and remanded to Onondaga County Justice Center.

NYSP image.