(WNY News Now) – CAMBRIA, NY – A high-speed vehicle pursuit spanning multiple jurisdictions ended in Lockport on Monday night, resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
At approximately 8:36 p.m. on February 24, Niagara County Sheriff’s Deputy Pino attempted to stop a gray Chevrolet pickup truck on Upper Mountain Road in the Town of Cambria for an equipment violation. The vehicle, previously identified as a suspect in multiple hit-and-run incidents in Lockport and Amherst, failed to stop and fled southbound on Lockport Junction Road.
Deputies pursued the vehicle eastbound on Saunders Settlement Road into the City of Lockport, where the driver allegedly struck two Niagara County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles. The chase ended on East Avenue near the former Eastern Niagara Hospital, where deputies took both occupants into custody.
The driver, identified as Elexus J. Rodriguez-Raines, 26, of Lockport, faces multiple charges, including:
- Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree (Felony) – 2 counts
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree (Misdemeanor)
- Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
- Numerous vehicle and traffic law violations
Rodriguez-Raines was held at the Niagara County Jail for arraignment in Niagara County CAP Court and is also facing unrelated controlled substance warrants in the City of Lockport.
The passenger, Shawn K. Pittler, 36, of Lockport, was charged with:
- Obstruction of Governmental Administration 2nd Degree (Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor)
Pittler was also held at the Niagara County Jail for arraignment.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the pursuit, including the City of Lockport Police Department and New York State Police. The Lockport Fire Department provided medical assistance at the scene.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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