The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Kingston announces the arrest of Chase Godwin, age 24, of Wallkill, Ulster County, NY, for Operator Leave Scene of Accident or Injury Resulting in Death, a class D felony.
The investigation began on July 16, 2026, at approximately 8:53 p.m., when troopers from State Police Kingston barracks responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Route 212 in the Town of Saugerties.
The preliminary investigation determined that a 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling westbound on Route 212 in the Town of Saugerties and was attempting to make a left turn onto King’s Highway while the traffic control device was displaying a green turn arrow. A 2013 Honda, traveling eastbound on Route 212, continued through the intersection in violation of a traffic control device and subsequently struck the motorcycle.
The collision caused the motorcycle to spin multiple times and ejected the operator, identified as Scott E. Richter, age 51, of Mount Marion, NY, onto the roadway. The operator of the 2013 Honda then continued eastbound without stopping and fled the scene into the Village of Saugerties.
Richter was transported to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston with serious injuries. On July 24, 2026, Richter was pronounced deceased as a result of injuries he sustained during the collision.
During the course of the investigation, investigators identified Godwin and the 2013 Honda as being involved in the collision. Godwin reported to the State Police Kingston barracks on August 7, 2026.
Godwin was arraigned in Kingston City Court on August 7, 2026, and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in Saugerties Town Court on August 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.