On September 15, at approximately 11:39 p.m., a State Trooper from the Montgomery barracks observed a 2014 Cadillac traveling north on State Route 9W in the town of Newburgh in violation of numerous vehicle and traffic laws. The trooper initiated a traffic stop.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Melissa D. Branagan, age 38 from the town of Newburgh, failed to comply and fled from the Trooper, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit traveled through the towns of Newburgh and Marlborough. The pursuit came to an end when the vehicle drove into a pond on Marchese Drive in the town of Marlborough.

Police said Branagan, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was unable to exit as the vehicle began to submerge. The Trooper entered the water and was able to remove Branagan through the driver side window and then successfully swim back to shore with her. She refused medical attention. Further investigation revealed that Branagan was impaired by alcohol. She was charged with felony Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and felony DWAI drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator, and Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd degree.

Branagan was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Newburgh Court on October 16. She was also issued 50 tickets.