Driver flees traffic stop, escapes after piling into two cars in parking lot

Scene of Friday night's crash (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A driver who suddenly sped away from police during a traffic stop on Friday is the object of a continuing investigation by safety officials today.

The incident began around 11:10 p.m. when the motorcycle unit officer pulled over a Chevrolet Silverado in the area of Spaulding High School for a vehicle violation.

While the officer was investigating the operator drove away southbound on Wakefield Street at a high rate of speed down. The Chevrolet then failed to negotiate the corner onto Union Street, left the roadway and struck two vehicles in the parking lot of Dave's Tri-City Towing at 50 Wakefield St., causing major damage.

The driver fled the scene on foot, and was still at large early today.

An adult passenger in the vehicle was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital by Frisbie EMS, but was later deemed uninjured.

Rochester Fire and the state Liquor Commission assisted at the scene and in the investigation.

Beside speed, alcohol also appears to have been a factor in the crash.