Operation Targets Reckless Driving in Hawk’s Nest Section of Route 97

The Deerpark Police Department has launched a multi-agency enforcement initiative targeting illegal street racing, road takeovers and reckless driving along the Hawk’s Nest section of New York State Route 97, officials announced Wednesday.

Police said the effort follows months of complaints from residents in Sparrowbush, New York, and nearby communities across the Delaware River in Pike County, Pennsylvania, as well as observations made by officers investigating late-night activity in the area.

According to the department, incidents have frequently occurred after midnight and have involved speeding, roadway blockages, burnouts, screeching tires and excessive noise from modified exhaust systems. Officers also reported finding tire marks, graffiti and trash left behind after gatherings.

The first enforcement action took place during the early morning hours of May 2 with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, New York State Police Special Operations and the Port Jervis Police Department.

Police said officers responded around 12:50 a.m. to reports of multiple vehicles traveling at high speeds and creating hazardous conditions along Route 97. Authorities temporarily closed the Hawk’s Nest section of the roadway while conducting the operation.

Approximately 30 vehicles were stopped and inspected, police said, and officers issued about 50 traffic tickets for alleged violations of New York state vehicle and traffic laws. Drivers stopped during the operation came from several parts of New York and Pennsylvania, including Orange, Sullivan and Westchester counties, as well as Syracuse, New York, and Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, according to police.

The New York State Police Auto Theft Unit also conducted vehicle identification number inspections to identify potentially stolen or improperly registered vehicles.

Chief Richard J. Sztyndor praised the agencies involved in the operation.

“I want to thank our law enforcement partners from the New York State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Port Jervis Police Department for their professionalism and support during this operation,” Sztyndor said in the release. “The Hawk’s Nest is one of the most scenic and heavily traveled roadways in our region, but it is also inherently dangerous.”

Deputy Chief Michael J. Worden said police have observed an increase in gatherings along Route 97 during late-night hours.

“During late-night hours, often after midnight, the Hawk’s Nest and surrounding sections of Route 97 have increasingly been used as an informal raceway, where individuals gather to showcase vehicles, obstruct traffic, and engage in dangerous speeding and racing activities,” Worden said.

Police said the May 2 operation marks the beginning of what officials described as an ongoing enforcement strategy.

“In addition to issuing summonses, we will utilize every enforcement tool available under the law to address this behavior, including the seizure and impoundment of vehicles involved in illegal and reckless activity,” Sztyndor said. “Our objective is not only enforcement, but deterrence.”

Authorities said the investigation into the May 2 events remains active and could result in additional misdemeanor or criminal charges related to organizing or participating in reckless driving activity.

The department urged residents to continue reporting suspicious or hazardous activity along the roadway.

Image Credit: Town of Deerpark, NY, Police