AMSTERDAM — A Gloversville resident faces several charges after fleeing from police in a motor vehicle and reckless driving.
Justin L. Persen, 19, of 102 Lincoln St., was charged by Amsterdam police on May 15 with third-degree unlawful fleeing from a police officer in a motor vehicle, three counts of reckless driving, five counts of speeding zone, three counts of unreasonable speed, three counts of failure to comply, three counts of failing to keep right, three counts of moving from lane unsafely, three counts failing to signal to turn, unlicensed operation and driving without a seatbelt.
According to police reports, patrols stationed on West Main Street and Anne Street observed a gray 2006 Hyundai Elantra allegedly speeding at 45 miles per hour in a 30 mph zone.
Police initiated a traffic stop in which Persen allegedly did not comply and continued onto Route 5 in the village of Fort Johnson. Near the Fort Johnson Fire Company station, Persen slowed down and one of the passengers attempted to exit the vehicle, but the vehicle did not stop and accelerated continuing westbound on Route 67.
Amsterdam patrol units notified surrounding agencies including Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and state police of the chase. Those patrol units also made attempts to stop Persen.
The police report states that the vehicle drove recklessly as it continued to head westbound into the town of Amsterdam.
Patrol units kept a safe distance away from the vehicle as it was being operated recklessly and roads were wet.
Once at Quist Hollow Road, the vehicle stopped and a male exited the vehicle from the front passenger seat. The man was later identified as Dashaun McClain who told police Persen was giving him a ride to Gloversville and once police began pursuing the vehicle, he wanted to get out, but Persen wouldn’t stop the vehicle. McClain told police that he just wanted to go home and did not want to be involved with Persen.
After Persen let McClain out of the vehicle, he reportedly continued to drive recklessly going at speeds of approximately 80 to 90 mph heading over the county line into Fulton County past the back entrance of Fulton-Montgomery Community College on Route 142. Person lost control of the vehicle and spun several times, came to a brief stop then began traveling south bound on Route 142.
Persen allegedly attempted to avoid Montgomery County units by entering a parking lot located at Ed’s R/C’s and struck an “earth embankment” located on the west shoulder of Route 67.
Persen sustained minor injury to his head and was bleeding from his mouth and forehead, the police report stated. He denied treatment from EMS at the scene and told police he refused to stop because “he did not have a license and is currently out on bail on a charge out of Gloversville.
There were no injuries sustained to any responding members of law enforcement and there was no damage done to department property.
Persen was issued traffic tickets for Amsterdam City Court, Amsterdam Town Court and Johnstown Town Court. He was held for arraignment for charges in Amsterdam City Court, and is scheduled to appear in Amsterdam Town Court on June 13 and at Johnstown Town Court on June 20.
