DIX, NY — Troopers from SP Montour Falls initiated a traffic stop on Baker Hill Road in the town of Dix at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Nov. 20 after observing a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and operating without plate lamps.
The driver failed to comply and continued northbound on State Route 414 before turning onto Mill Hill Road.
The vehicle, a Ford F-150, then turned onto Meads Hill Road and subsequently entered a Watkins Glen International access driveway.
The operator exited the truck, went under a gate, and attempted to flee on foot.
Troopers pursued the suspect and after a brief foot chase, took Brandon M. Bennett, 47, of Beaver Dams, NY, into custody without further incident.
A bolt-action rifle with a spotlight taped to the barrel was recovered unsecured in the front passenger seat with one round chambered and two rounds in the magazine.
A shotgun was located in the rear floorboard during an inventory of the vehicle.
Bennett was transported to SP Montour Falls for processing and then taken to Schuyler County Jail for CAP arraignment.
Bennett was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd: previous conviction (D felony), unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle 3rd (A misdemeanor), resisting arrest (A misdemeanor), obstructing governmental administration 2nd (A misdemeanor), and trespass (violation).
The investigation is ongoing.
