NEWS

Mayor pursues vandal on foot; cops seek culprit

Amanda J. Purcell
Poughkeepsie Journal

Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison was involved in an on-foot pursuit for a suspected vandal who defaced property in the city Saturday.

Vandals struck a building on Garden Street Saturday night. Mayor Rob Rolison chased the vandals for several blocks before they got away.

The chase began after Rolison and his wife, Lori, witnessed the act of vandalism on Garden Street through a window while sitting in a nearby restaurant at around 8:20 p.m.

A restaurant employee and Rolison, a former police officer, called City of Poughkeepsie police and then pursued the alleged vandal on foot for several blocks before the vandal, and several men he was with, fled near Mansion Street.

City police are investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

"Let the word get out that the City of Poughkeepsie won't tolerate any level of crime or vandalism," Rolison said. "Together we will work block by block to make our city safer, cleaner and stronger.”

The culprit is believed to have written his signature, a kind of graffiti known as "tagging."

If anyone has any information regarding this or any crime they are urged to call 911 or the city tips line at: 845-451-7577. Tips also can be sent via the web: https://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/webTipForm.html?id=2458.

Mayor-elect Rob Rolison.

Amanda J. Purcell: apurcell@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4807; Twitter: @amandajpurcell