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Drug charges brought against trio who allegedly wouldn't leave hotel room

By Howard B. Owens

Pictured: Derick Barker, Justin Barker, Benjamin Santiago

Three people who allegedly refused to leave a Batavia hotel room Wednesday afternoon, including one who fled from police leading to a multi-agency manhunt, are in jail without bail following an investigation that allegedly uncovered drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested were Justin Z. Barker, 22, and Benjamin Santiago Jr., 22, both of North Lyon Street, Batavia, and Derick Wayne Barker, 25, of Tera Boulevard, Jonesboro, Ga.

Derick Barker is the suspect accused of fleeing from Officer Dan Coffey, running across the Thruway and trying to hide in a farm field shortly before 1 p.m.  

While Coffey stayed with Justin Barker and Santiago to ensure they stayed in custody, he reportedly observed Derick Barker run to a Dodge Durango, grab something out of it, and run toward the Thruway toll booths.

Additional Batavia police officers along with Sheriff's deputies and state troopers descended on the area and Derick Barker was allegedly observed running into the field. 

A State Police helicopter was called in, which helped flush Barker out of hiding and he was immediately taken into custody.

Police officers on scene were concerned that Barker had grabbed a gun from the Durango and a search was conducted of the field for the possible weapon. The Sheriff's Office press release makes no mention of a weapon being found.

Derick Barker allegedly ran while Coffey conducted a wants and warrants check, which uncovered a violation of probation warrant out of Georgia.

Stemming from Wednesday's incident, Barker was charged with obstructing governmental administration.

Justin Barker was wanted on a warrant out of the Town of Oakfield Court for alleged criminal contempt.

While in the hotel room at Days Inn with Justin Barker and Santiago, Coffey allegedly observed a small glassine baggie on the floor that appeared to contain a controlled substance.

Members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force responded to the scene and conducted a search and further investigation.

Derick Barker was charged with one count of criminal trespass, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia.

Justin Barker was charged with one count of criminal trespass, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia.

Benjamin Santiago was charged with one count of criminal trespass, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia and one count of unlawful possession of marijuana.

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