A 25-year-old man has been indicted on a wide range of felony charges tied to a high-speed, intoxicated police chase that ended in a deadly crash in Orange County earlier this year, prosecutors announced.
Port Jervis resident Liam McNichol, 25, was arraigned on Tuesday, Dec. 23, on an indictment that includes aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of vehicular manslaughter, manslaughter, assault, and unlawful fleeing from a police officer, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred around 3:40 a.m. on Friday, April 25, in the Town of Newburgh.
Prosecutors said New York State Police attempted to stop the vehicle McNichol was driving on Route 9W for speeding. Instead of stopping, he allegedly fled, entered Interstate 84, and accelerated to speeds exceeding 110 miles per hour.
According to the DA’s Office, McNichol tried to weave through traffic across multiple lanes, struck another vehicle, and caused his own car to roll over violently. His passenger, later identified as 25-year-old Phelipe Figueroa of Otisville, was ejected from the vehicle and died from his injuries.
After the crash, McNichol allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene before police took him into custody. Prosecutors said a blood test later showed his blood alcohol content was 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit, along with the presence of drugs.
Figueroa was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh, where he was pronounced dead. McNichol suffered minor injuries.
During Tuesday’s arraignment, McNichol was remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, a $1 million fully secured bond, or a $1.5 million partially secured bond. He is scheduled to return to court for a conference on Jan. 6, 2026.
Figueroa remembered
In the days after the crash, friends and family came together to support Figueroa’s loved ones, raising more than $11,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral and memorial costs.
Organizers described him as a “loving son, a proud father, and a loyal friend,” noting that any remaining funds would be used to support his young son.
“Phelipe’s kindness, laughter, and love left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him. He gave so much of himself to others, always with a smile, always with an open heart,” the organizers wrote.
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