On August 31, 2018 at about 6:06 AM, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle colliding with a house on State Route 17B, just east of Hurd Road in the Town of Bethel. At the location deputies found a white 1990 Ford F250 pickup truck that had crashed into the front porch of the Stray Cat Art Gallery.

The vehicle, which had been traveling eastbound toward Monticello, ran off the road and struck with such force that the porch was ripped away from the building. The occupants of the truck got out and attempted to flee the scene on foot but were followed by a witness who pointed them out to responding sheriff’s units. While attempting to make their get-a-way, the subjects dropped 2 pouches near a house that was for sale.

Deputies recovered the pouches and found them to contain approximately 9 grams of Methamphetimine. The driver was identified as Ronald L. Martin, age 50, and the passenger was Jessica L. Rife, 41, both of Muscatine, Iowa. They were en route to Ellenville, NY, were Martin was to be employed on a construction job. Ronald Martin was charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident, Felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Felony Criminal Mischief and Tampering with Evidence.

The pickup truck was unregistered and uninsured. Jessica Rife was charged with Felony Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Tampering with Evidence. Both suspects were arraigned before Town of Bethel Judge Kevin Rhyne and committed to the Sullivan County Jail pending a future court date.

Sheriff Michael Schiff said, "These suspects were apprehended because members of the public reacted quickly. Remember, if you see something and say something."