Police: Intoxicated Driver Kills Hudson Valley Man

A Bronx man is accused of driving under the influence in the Hudson Valley and killing a local man.

On Thursday, New York State Police at Middletown announced the arrest of 30-year-old Robinson Perez of the Bronx for aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter, following a year-long investigation by the New York State Police and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office into a fatal motor vehicle accident.

The crash on Route 17M in the Town of Wallkill around 10:20 a.m. on July 16, 2017, took the life of 30-year-old Dustin Mills of Middletown.

Perez left his lane of travel and fatally struck Mills' 2005 Honda Accord in the eastbound lane of Route 17M, police say.

Officials allege Perez was driving while under the influence.

“Fatalities caused by those who drive while under the influence of any substance are as preventable as they are tragic,” Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said. “I thank the New York State Police for their investigation of this case and the arrest of the defendant. My office will continue to work with the New York State Police and all of law enforcement partners to prosecute those who selfishly place the lives of others in jeopardy by driving while under the influence.”

Perez will be held in the Orange County Jail pending an arraignment in County Court on Friday.