Rhinebeck Altercation: Man Arrested After Brandishing Handgun in Chainsaw Dispute

On July 3, 2025, at approximately 7:13 p.m., Troopers from the New York State Police in Rhinebeck responded to a disturbance on Long Dock Road. The incident stemmed from a verbal dispute over the use of a chainsaw for cutting trees, which quickly escalated when Joseph Z. Dalu, 55, of Rhinebeck, allegedly brandished a black handgun and racked the weapon in a threatening manner toward the other party.

Law enforcement swiftly intervened, and Dalu was arrested at the scene. He now faces charges including Menacing in the Second Degree (with a weapon) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (with intent to use), both classified as Class A misdemeanors in New York. After processing and arraignment at the Town of Rhinebeck Court, Dalu was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 10, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.

This case underscores the volatility of seemingly minor disputes that can quickly escalate when weapons are involved, raising serious public safety concerns.