Driver who fled traffic stop put public in peril, police say

The crash left three vehicles with serious damage (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - Police are closing in on a suspect in a Friday crash in which alcohol is believed to have been a factor and took the opportunity on Tuesday to offer some advice to anybody who thinks they can beat a DWI rap by eluding police till they sober up.

Friday's incident began when a motorcycle patrol officer pulled over a Chevrolet Silverado in the area of Spaulding High School for a vehicle violation.

While the officer was investigating the operator took off southbound on Wakefield Street at a high rate of speed, Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau said on Tuesday.

"Speeding off like that made for a very dangerous situation. Someone could have gotten hurt," Boudreau said, adding police officers at the scene did not engage in any type of pursuit due to public safety concerns.

Moments later the Silverado 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 is still at large as police continue their investigation.

"No warrant has been issued, but we know the suspect," Boudreau said, adding that even though police were unable to conduct a field sobriety test or obtain any bloodwork that might have indicated the presence of alcohol, "he can be still charged with DWI based on operation" of the vehicle.

So rather than be hit with a misdemeanor that could result in a fine and loss of license, the suspect is now facing felony charges that could carry a stiff prison sentence.

Boudreau said Friday's stunt was dangerous and could have resulted in injury or even worse if the suspect had plowed into something other than a couple of unoccupied parked cars.

What's the message?

"The message is we'll be able to track you down irregardless, and if you hit an innocent person the charges could be far greater than a DWI," Boudreau said, adding it could result in a Class B felony which carries a maximum seven-year sentence, or ever worse.