Rochester man stopped for speeding found to be habitual offender, racks up slew of charges

Staff reports 04 a.m.


Rochester man stopped for speeding found to be habitual offender, racks up slew of charges

Raymond Eric Peabody (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester man was stopped for speeding on Monday, but by the time the traffic stop was over, he'd been arrested on a slew of violations and charges including a felony for being a habitual offender.

The incident began a little before 8 p.m. as a Rochester Patrol Officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Highland Street for speeding.

Instead of stopping, the driver continued onto the Route 202 bypass, turned right onto Milton Road and pulled into the Cumberland Farms on Milton Road where the traffic stop ensued, Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said today.

When the officer ran the plate they realized it was for a BMW, not the Ford Ranger being driven by Raymond Eric Peabody, 45, of 21 Maple St., who is listed by the state DMV as a habitual offender.

As police were preparing to have the Ford towed, they noticed the inspection sticker was invalid, too.

Peabody was charged with felony habitual offender and disobeying an officer, as well as several violations including false inspection or registration sticker, misuse or failure to display plates, taillights and reflectors required and speeding.

Peabody was freed on personal recognizance for all charges, but held on a 72-hour probation hold.

His arraignment is set for later this month.