(WNY News Now) – A routine traffic stop in Dunkirk spiraled into chaos when a driver fled police, resulting in a collision with a semi-truck and a series of felony charges.
DUNKIRK, NY — A high-speed attempt to evade police led to a serious collision on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at approximately 9:03 PM. Dunkirk Police officers initiated a traffic stop near Park Avenue and East 2nd Street in the City of Dunkirk, but the driver, identified as 26-year-old Christopher Cancel-Vazquez, refused to comply.
Cancel-Vazquez accelerated through the intersection of East 2nd Street and Main Street, running a red light and colliding with a northbound semi-truck. The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles and resulted in a large diesel fuel spill.
Emergency responders, including the Dunkirk Fire Department and Chautauqua County Hazmat team, arrived promptly to manage the fuel cleanup and transport both drivers to Brooks Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.
Cancel-Vazquez now faces a range of charges, including:
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer Causing Injury (E Felony)
- Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Second Degree
- Reckless Driving
- Failure to Obey a Police Officer
- Additional traffic violations
Further investigation revealed Cancel-Vazquez had outstanding warrants issued by the Cheektowaga Police Department and the Town of Evans Police Department. Authorities indicated additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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