Rosendale man faces charges in domestic dispute, police say

A town resident is facing misdemeanor charges stemming from a domestic dispute, followed by a chase that was ended because it posed “a severe risk to public safety if continued,” the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

Matthew A. Dequarto, 23, was arrested on Thursday, Feb. 16, and was charged with assault and reckless endangerment, both misdemeanors, stemming from a violent domestic dispute, authorities said.

At about 2:28 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, deputies responded to “multiple 911 calls” reporting a woman screaming for help on Springtown Road. Upon arrival, they saw a vehicle leaving the scene that matched the description given by the 911 callers.

When deputies attempted to stop Dequarto, he led them and members of the state, city of Kingston and town of Ulster police on a pursuit that authorities said was terminated “because the operator was driving in such a reckless manner that it created a severe risk to public safety if continued.”

The vehicle was later located abandoned in the town of Ulster, according to authorities.

Deputies said Dequarto had assaulted the female victim and had taken her vehicle before fleeing Springtown Road. The victim was taken by Mobile Life Support Services to HealthAlliance Hospital in Kingston for injuries sustained in the alleged assault, deputies said.

A warrant for Dequarto’s arrest was obtained from Rosendale Town Court, they said.

Dequarto was arraigned in Rosendale Town Court and released pending a future court appearance..

Deputies were also assisted by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office.