Speed boat owner arrested

Posted 7/24/17

The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office has arrested an Orange County man in connection with a boat crash that occurred at the Swinging Bridge Reservoir on July 2, 2017.   Michael D. …

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Speed boat owner arrested

Posted
The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office has arrested an Orange County man in connection with a boat crash that occurred at the Swinging Bridge Reservoir on July 2, 2017.
 
Michael D. LaBagh, 27, of Circleville, NY turned himself into deputies last on July 18 at the Sheriff's Office in Monticello.
 
LaBagh was allegedly operating a speed boat on the night of July 2, 2017 that collided with a pontoon boat near the Starlight Marina. LaBagh's speed boat sank, but he and a passenger were rescued by the pontoon boat occupants. When the pontoon boat reached shore, it is alleged that LaBagh and his passenger jumped out and ran into the woods.
 
The occupants of the pontoon boat were injured in the crash. The next day, divers recovered LaBagh's speed boat from the bottom of the lake. The investigation did not immediately lead to LaBagh as the ownership of the boat changed hands several times without it being properly registered.
 
Michael LaBagh was charged with Reckless Operation of a Vessel, Leaving the Scene of an Accident (2 counts), and Failure to Notify of a Petroleum Spill, all misdemeanors. He was also charged under the state Navigation Law with the violations of Unregistered Vessel and No Navigation Lights. LaBagh was released on his own recognizance to appear in the Town of Thompson Court on August 14, 2017.
 
Investigators from the Sheriff's Marine Patrol Unit are conferring with the District Attorney's office on possible additional charges.

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