NEW PALTZ — A state trooper observed a 2010 Nissan violating traffic laws while traveling northbound on Interstate 87 at approximately 9:03 p.m. on Saturday, September 27.
The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop in the town of Ulster, but the vehicle failed to comply and continued northbound.
A pursuit ensued, lasting approximately 12 minutes and reaching speeds of 130 mph before being terminated as the suspect vehicle fled the area.
Troopers later located the vehicle in the town of Catskill and attempted another traffic stop.
The vehicle again failed to comply, initiating a second pursuit during which a tire deflation device was successfully deployed.
The suspect vehicle swerved and made contact with a marked State Police vehicle before continuing southbound.
The patrol vehicle then made contact with the suspect vehicle, causing it to lose control.
The vehicle struck the guide rail on the eastern shoulder, crossed both lanes, and struck the guide rail on the western shoulder.
Troopers successfully stopped the vehicle using a precision immobilization technique to prevent further flight.
The driver, an 18-year-old male from the Bronx, and his passenger, also an 18-year-old male from the Bronx, were taken into custody without further incident.
The total pursuit lasted approximately 15 minutes, covered 27 miles, and reached speeds up to 122 mph.
The driver was charged with assault on a police officer, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of unlawful fleeing a police officer, and numerous vehicle and traffic law violations.
He was arraigned in Coxsackie Town Court and remanded to Greene County Jail with bail set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 secured bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.
The defendant is scheduled to reappear in court on October 2 at 1:00 p.m.
