SHAWANGUNK – Four men are under arrest after they allegedly attacked an off-duty Newburgh City police officer as he finished running on the rail trail in Shawangunk near Route 208.

Officer Christopher Swenson was stretching when a vehicle passed him and there was an exchange of words with the occupants. They confronted Swenson, at which time he identified himself as a police officer.

At that point, State Police who investigated said the four men knocked Swenson to the ground and placed him in a choke hold. He was able to call out to a passing motorist to call 911 and that’s when troopers from Highland and Montgomery barracks rushed to the scene along with officers from other agencies in Ulster and Orange counties.

Before they arrived, the four suspects got back in the vehicle and tried to leave. Swenson was able to reach in and grab the keys from the ignition and detain three of the suspects until the officers arrived. The fourth suspect was located not far away.

Swenson suffered contusions and bruises on his body.

Charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest were Nicholas Degroodt, 18, and John Degroodt, 20, both of Walden, Sean Leahy, 19, of Maybrook, and Brady Purcell, 20, of Walden. He was also charged with criminal impersonation and DWI.

All four were arraigned and released on their own recognizance to their parents.

J. Degroodt

N. Degroodt

S. Leahy

B. Purcell