Orange County Man Accused of Damaging Gas Station and Punching Police

An Orange County man is accused of damaging a gas station and punching a police officer multiple times.

New Paltz Police responded to the Chestnut Mobil gas station in the Village of New Paltz for a report of a disorderly male. The man, later identified as 25-year-old Issac A. Melert, of Middletown, was accused of damaging property inside the store and seen leaving on Main Street.

The caller was able to provide police with a description of Melert and he was observed getting in a car near Main Street.

The driver of the vehicle flagged down police as he tried to get Melert out of his car. When Melert saw police he allegedly fled with an officer pursuing.

When the officer tried to stop Melert, Melert is accused of hitting the officer in the head a few times. Witnesses saw Melert assault the officer and assisted in taking him into custody.

While in a patrol car, Melert allegedly tried to kick out the windows several times.

Melert was charged with assault, a felony, attempted criminal mischief, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, petit larceny, misdemeanors, and a violation for disorderly conduct.

Melert was remanded to Ulster County Jail in Lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $15,000 bond. He’s due at New Paltz Town Court on a later date.

Additional charges may be pending.