OFF-DUTY OFFICERS AND GOOD SAMARITANS ASSIST DEPUTY
Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Esdras R. Cardona Ovalle, 19, of Carmel, NY, following a motor vehicle crash on Fair Street and Gleneida Avenue in the Town of Carmel.
On Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 11:30 PM, just hours after the Putnam County 9/11 Memorial Service at Cornerstone Park, Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a reported crash at the intersection of Fair Street and Gleneida Avenue. While units were responding, Putnam County 911 advised that one of the drivers involved was attempting to leave the scene.
The first Deputy arrived within seconds and was flagged down by multiple witnesses. The Deputy observed Cardona Ovalle behind the wheel of a 2014 Honda, which had rear-ended another vehicle, revving the engine in an attempt to drive away while witnesses stood nearby in the roadway. With the vehicle’s doors locked and Cardona Ovalle ignoring repeated commands to stop, the Deputy breached the driver’s side window to prevent him from fleeing and endangering those on scene. Cardona Ovalle then climbed out through the passenger side and attempted to flee on foot.
An off-duty Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy and an off-duty Carmel Police Officer, along with several good Samaritans at the scene, assisted the Deputy in taking Cardona Ovalle into custody. No one was seriously injured.
Cardona Ovalle was arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (BAC .18% or greater), a misdemeanor
- Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor
- Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor
- Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, a misdemeanor
- Various Vehicle and Traffic Law infractions
Cardona Ovalle was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Carmel Justice Court.
“Our Deputy acted quickly to stop an impaired driver from putting more lives at risk, and he didn’t have to do it alone,” said Sheriff Hess. “I want to thank the off-duty Deputy and the Carmel Police Officer who stepped in without hesitation, and the good Samaritans who stepped up that night to help. Their willingness to assist is a great example of the community looking out for one another here in Putnam County.”
