Photo: MargJohnsonVA / iStock / Getty Images
A Hyde Park resident with five previous DWI arrests has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal December crash that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man.
Richard Rider, 46, was arrested early Thursday morning (January 29) in connection with the December 14, 2025 collision on Route 9 in Hyde Park. According to Mid-Hudson News, Rider faces charges of vehicular homicide, DWI-drugs, and failure to keep right.
Police say Rider was driving his truck south on Route 9 when he crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Honda Accord driven by Alijah Johnson, 28. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Rider was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Despite having five previous DWI/DWAI arrests, Rider had a valid driver's license at the time of the crash. His license was suspended during Thursday's arraignment before Hyde Park Justice Michael Plass.
"The Town of Hyde Park Police Detective Bureau worked tirelessly on this case. Following receipt of toxicology results from Rider's blood sample, investigators filed the charges," said Hyde Park Police Chief Robert Benson.
Daily Voice reported that the crash occurred around 4:21 p.m. near the intersection of Route 9 and Huyler Drive. Rider was allegedly driving a 2014 Ford F-150 pickup truck when he crossed the double yellow center line and struck Johnson's 2010 Honda Accord.
Rider, who also previously served prison time for a burglary conviction, was arraigned and entered a not guilty plea. He was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail after Judge Plass set bail at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, or $2 million partially secured bond.
Because of his previous felony conviction and DWI history, Rider is facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted of vehicular homicide.
The case is expected to go to the Dutchess County Grand Jury next week for review. Rider is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday, February 4.