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Batavia man facing multiple charges after alleged 107 mph chase on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A 42-year-old Porter Avenue resident is in custody facing multiple criminal charges following a high-speed chase Monday night on the Thruway that covered 43 miles, both west and east, and reached speeds of 107 mph.

The chase ended at the toll booth road and Route 98, Batavia, when Ronald L. Worthington allegedly rammed a State Police car not once, but twice, and Worthington's sedan became disabled.

It already had two driver-side flat tires from hitting spike strips placed on the westbound Thruway exit by a deputy.

Worthington is charged with DWI, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, speeding and numerous other vehicle and traffic law violations, according to the State Police.

He was arraigned in city court and ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

The chase started in the westbound lane of the Thruway, mile marker 401 in Pembroke, at 10:48 p.m.

Worthington allegedly continued west until reaching the toll booth plaza in Williamsville, at which point, the white sedan made a U-turn and headed back eastbound on the Thruway.

State Police units assigned to Troop A, Batavia, were dispatched to the Thruway. Deputies were sent to the Batavia exit -- knowing the suspect was driving a vehicle registered to a Porter Avenue resident -- and a deputy deployed the spike strips just minutes before the suspect reached Batavia.

After running over the spike strips, through the toll both and ramming the trooper car, the white sedan came to a stop and police officers from the State Police, Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD descended on the vehicle. The window on the driver's side was smashed out and officers grabbed Worthington and pulled him out of the vehicle.

Worthington was treated by Mercy EMS personnel for minor cuts caused by broken glass.

At this time, there is no report of a Taser or similar device being used to subdue the suspect.

(Initial Report)

John Woodworth JR

When will dumasses stop trying to run from police especially on the thurway? Nothing is more foolish than putting yourself somewhere with limited entrances and exits.

Dec 5, 2012, 10:47pm Permalink

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