Police: Hoosick Falls man sped away from police while drunk, crashed SUV

A Hoosick Falls man is accused of driving under the influence and fleeing from a police checkpoint. while drunk.  

New York State Police and Vermont State Police conducted a joint patrol on Route 346. Police said Michael B. Starkey, 44, saw the checkpoint and turned around his SUV.  New York State Police turned on their lights and siren and tried to stop him.

Starkey then drove into Vermont at a high rate of speed, according to police. He blew through a yield sign at the intersection of Route 346 and North Pownal Road and struck a vehicle driven by a 64-year-old woman. She was not hurt.

Troopers said Starkey had signs of impairment and was driving with a suspended license.

Starkey was charged with driving under the influence, gross negligent operation, driving with a criminally suspended license, leaving the sign of an accident and traffic violations.

He is due in Vermont Superior Court-Bennington Division on June 30.