Driver in Fatal LaGrange Crash Had Forged License, Police Say

Dutchess County Sheriff's are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in LaGrange Wednesday night. 

Around 11PM on Wednesday, the Dutchess County Sheriff's responded to a report of a serious two-car crash on Noxon Road in LaGrange.

Upon arrival, Deputies observed three injured people.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2000 Honda Civic operated by Jonathan J. Steere, 26, of Yorktown Heights, NY was traveling southbound on Noxon Road when it crossed over the center pavement markers and struck a 2006 Dodge Ram.

The Dodge was operated by driver Santiago M. Castillo, 38 of Poughkeepsie and passenger Jose R. Castillo, 49, of Poughkeepsie.

Steere was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie where he was pronounced dead. The occupants of the Dodge were transported to Vassar Brothers Medical Center and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Evidence shows that Steere was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to police.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Castillo--the operator of the Dodge--is unlicensed and was in possession of a forged Pennsylvania license, police said.

Upon his release from the hospital, Castillo was arrested and charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle, which is a traffic infraction, and possession of a forged instrument, which is a felony.

Castillo was released with appearance tickets.