A man in Albion, New York, is facing nearly 20 charges in connection with a string of incidents that ended with an alleged DUI chase. While no one was injured, two patrol cars were damaged, one of them requiring towing.
According to a press release issued by the Albion Police Department (APD), the incident occurred on Monday, May 18. At around 7:14 a.m., APD officers responded to a larceny call involving alcoholic beverages.
Upon arrival, officers learned that an individual had stolen four beverages from a local store located on Crosby’s North. Moments later, they encountered a “visibly intoxicated” man, later identified as 56-year-old Timothy Ausman Jr.
Ausman was placed under arrest, but was released shortly after on an appearance ticket. As per the APD, he displayed slurred speech, glossy eyes, and a strong alcoholic odor.
Incidents Continue
At around 10:04 a.m., less than three hours after the arrest described above, APD officers responded to Hamilton Street. They had received reports of an individual banging on doors and harassing residents for money.
To their shock, officers quickly identified the suspect as the recently released Ausman. Only hours had passed by, but the APD alleged that the 56-year-old man appeared even more intoxicated than before.
Officers instructed Ausman to return home. Shortly, however, they observed him allegedly entering and operating a red Chevrolet Trailblazer, triggering a much more dangerous string of events.
Chase, Damaged Patrol Cars
APD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Ausman, however, is accused of failing to comply, choosing to flee instead.
Allegedly, the New York man failed to stop at multiple stop signs, drove on road shoulders and sidewalks, and continued to drive recklessly through residential neighborhoods. Meanwhile, police officers attempted various controlled tactics to slow and stop him, initially to no avail.
Eventually, the chase stopped when Ausman, according to the APD, struck a patrol vehicle. While he was placed under arrest, the police counted their losses: two patrol vehicles had sustained extensive damage. One of those, possibly the one Ausman allegedly struck, had to be towed from the area. Fortunately, no civilians were injured as a result of the chase.
Arrested Again, Charges
While in custody, officers found a beverage container inside Ausman’s car, the APD said. He is also accused of displaying “multiple indicators of intoxication” during field sobriety tests and refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
Timothy Ausman Jr. is now facing 19 different charges. These are second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, among others.
Ausman was booked into Orleans County Jail. The incident remains under investigation.