Dover resident arrestedafter New Year’s Day standoff

DOVER PLAINS — On Wednesday, Jan. 1, Richard P. Danko was arrested in the Town of Dover following an hours-long standoff with law enforcement after a complaint was lodged against him for allegedly threatening another party with a shotgun.

At approximately 6:10 a.m., deputies arrived at 16 Old State Route 22 in Dover Plains to investigate the report and Danko was subsequently identified as the suspect in the case. But when addressed by authorities, Danko refused to cooperate and fled into a home. Over the next five hours, members of multiple law enforcement units unsuccessfully attempted to convince Danko to surrender. Finally, authorities gained access to the premises and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office’s Emergency Services Unit took him into custody without further incident.

Following his arrest, Danko was charged with third degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, and three second degree misdemeanors including criminal contempt, menacing and resisting arrest as well as bail jumping, also a misdemeanor. Unrelated to this incident, Danko was also sought on a warrant for reckless endangerment. He was charged in connection with both the preexisting warrant and this most recent incident. Danko was arraigned at the Town of Dover Court, and was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center where he remains in lieu of $10,000 cash bail.

When reached for comment, Captain John Watterson at the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident is still under investigation and no motive has yet been established. Watterson was unable to confirm at press time whether Danko is being represented by an attorney.

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less