Drunk Driver Flees Police Until Crashing into Trees

Niagara Falls Police were on routine patrol around 2am on April 26th driving eastbound on Niagara Falls Boulevard approaching 56th Street when officers observed a dark sedan traveling westbound at a high rate of speed.

Officers visually estimated the speed to be 65mph, which was then confirmed via the dash-mounted radar system. They activated their emergency lights and safely conducted a U-turn.

The suspect vehicle was nearing 47th Street indicating a reckless and high-rate of speed. As officers attempted to catch up, they observed the vehicle pass the stop sign at 47th and Packard Road.

In order to safely continue their attempt to catch up to the vehicle, they went up Packard Road. By that time, the vehicle was turning north onto New Road from Packard running the red light. On New Road the vehicle continued at a high-rate of speed crossing the double yellow lines to pass a vehicle.

Officers were finally able to get close to the vehicle as it ran the stop sign at New and Porter Roads. The vehicle then drove down the gravel road into the CSX Niagara Yard, passing four “No Trespassing” signs.

The vehicle then drove into a small group of trees and came to a stop. An officer drew his department-issued firearm and acquired a target on the driver.

The male repeatedly refused or was unable to understand clear, verbal and lawful commands to keep his hands in view and not to move. He repeatedly put his hand down to his side around his right hip.

The male asked if he “wanted to shoot” him because the officer was white. He continued to disobey commands and was argumentative. 

Additional police personnel arrived on scene. The male was ordered to crawl out of the passenger side of the car at which time he was taken into custody. No force was used.

The male had glassy bloodshot eyes, thick slurred speech and a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. During the initial search of the vehicle for potential intoxicants, officers located three long gun cases in the backseat. One case was unzipped and there was what appeared to be the stock of a firearm. 

The long gun cases were removed and each one contained a high-powered air rifle. No other evidence was located in the vehicle.

The male was found to be revoked since 1990 for refusal to submit to a chemical test. He was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing.

No further information is available at this time.

Drunk Driver Flees Police Until Crashing into Trees