NORTH TONAWANDA — A Buffalo man was arrested Tuesday after a motorcycle chase that ended with a police officer being dragged 150 feet down an embankment, according to the North Tonawanda Police Department.
The North Tonawanda Police Department was made aware Aug. 12 of a white motorbike that was operating recklessly and had just fled from the Niagara Falls Police Department.
The motorbike was last seen on River Road heading toward North Tonawanda.
Officer Hussey checked the area along with Niagara County Sheriff’s Office units.
A short time later, the white motorbike was observed entering the city and officers attempted to stop it.
The operator of the motorbike, Shawn Candelaria, 26, of Buffalo, failed to stop for officers, and a pursuit began southbound on River Road.
The pursuit continued into the City of Tonawanda, where the suspect struck a vehicle on Niagara Street.
Officer Hussey exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to detain Candelaria, who regained control of his motorbike and accelerated.
Officer Hussey was dragged approximately 150 feet down an embankment into Niawanda Park, where the bike crashed again.
Officers Hussey and Bradt were able to take Candelaria into custody.
While searching Candelaria, a loaded handgun was discovered on his person.
Candelaria is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 2nd degree, a class C felony; reckless endangerment 1st degree, a class D felony; obstruction of governmental administration 2nd degree, a class A misdemeanor; and numerous vehicle and traffic violations.
Both Officer Hussey and Candelaria sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital to be evaluated.
Candelaria was arraigned in North Tonawanda City Court, where bail was set at $40,000.
