North Tonawanda Police Say Suspect Dragged Officer on Motorbike Before Crash

A Buffalo man is facing charges after dragging a police officer roughly 150 feet down an embankment during a chase in North Tonawanda on Tuesday, authorities said.

According to police, the incident began when a motorbike was reported driving recklessly and fleeing from Niagara Falls police.

The rider - identified as 26-year-old Shawn Candelaria - was later spotted entering North Tonawanda where officers attempted a traffic stop.

Candelaria allegedly refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit southbound on River Road and into the City of Tonawanda. There, police said the motorbike struck a vehicle on Niagara Street.

Officer Hussey exited his patrol car in an attempt to detain the suspect. Police say Candelaria continued to accelerate, dragging Hussey down the embankment into Niawanda Park before the bike crashed. Candelaria was arrested at the scene.

Authorities said he was carrying a loaded handgun. He now faces charges including:

-Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon

-First-degree reckless endangerment

-Second-degree obstruction of governmental administration

-Multiple vehicle and traffic violations

Both Candelaria and Officer Hussey sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Candelaria was arraigned in North Tonawanda City Court where bail was set at $40,000.

North Tonawanda Police Say Suspect Dragged Officer on Motorbike Before Crash