Man who sparked Hyde Park school scare charged with weapons offenses and trespassing
Daniel M. Prospero is charged with six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of third-degree criminal trespass.
More Stories
A Hyde Park man who prompted a large police response near two local schools is now facing multiple criminal charges following an extensive investigation.
Police say 54-year-old Daniel M. Prospero was first taken into custody on Sept. 8 after he was spotted riding a bicycle near Haviland Middle School while wearing camouflage clothing and a bullet-resistant vest.
According to police, a school monitor alerted School Resource Officer Sgt. McGaw to a suspicious person riding through a field behind the school. Officers say Prospero was then seen heading toward nearby Ralph R. Smith Elementary School before being located on Violet Avenue near Hidden Brook Estates.
Investigators say Prospero was carrying a hunting-style knife and two high-capacity rifle magazines, one of which contained ammunition. He was taken into custody under New York's Mental Hygiene Law and transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital for evaluation.
Authorities say Prospero was released from the hospital on Oct. 13 and again taken into police custody.
Police now say that after a lengthy investigation, including a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, a search warrant at Prospero's residence and extensive searches of wooded areas near both schools, additional charges have been filed.
He is now charged with six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of third-degree criminal trespass.
Prospero was arraigned in Hyde Park Justice Court and released with orders to report to Dutchess County Probation for electronic monitoring.
Police emphasized that no firearm was reported to have been seen during the incident and no firearm was recovered during the investigation.
Officials also stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
