Pit Crew Dispute At Speedway Leads to Strangulation Charge

An argument between pit crews at the Lebanon Valley Speedway led to a felony charge against one crew member, New York State Police report.

State Police from the New Lebanon barracks and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from SP Livingston arrested Paul A. Larochelle of Peru, Massachusetts, June 4 for Strangulation in the 2nd Degree, a Class D Felony.

At about 11:09 p.m. June 3, state troopers were dispatched to the Lebanon Valley Speedway for a reported harassment complaint.

An investigation indicated that following a verbal dispute between pit crews, Larochelle choked another man.

The victim, who suffered injury and disorientation, declined medical attention, police said.

Larochelle, 48, was arraigned in the Town of New Lebanon Justice Court and was released on his own recognizance. The defendant is due to reappear in New Lebanon Court on June 22.

Images via NYSP, google maps