LIBERTY, NY — The Village of Liberty Police arrested John Harasemovech, 20, of Liberty after an investigation into two incidents involving vehicle pursuits.

On September 25, a Liberty Police officer was conducting speed enforcement on West Lake Street in the Village of Liberty after a number of concerned citizens had reported excessive speed on the road.  While monitoring the roadway on West Lake Street and running stationary radar, the officer observed a blue pickup truck traveling at 46 MPH in a 30 MPH posted zone.

The officer initiated his emergency lights, and, rather than pull over, the vehicle increased its speed and attempted to flee from the officer. As the officer pursued the vehicle, the speed and dangerous operation of the suspect vehicle caused the officer to call off the pursuit.

Officers then began an investigation in an attempt to identify the vehicle and driver. On September 28, two officers successfully identified and located the suspect vehicle at a residence on Old Loomis Road outside of the Village in the Town of Liberty. As officers were investigating the incident the vehicle was observed leaving the residence.

Officers again attempted to stop the vehicle by activating emergency lights and siren. The vehicle again fled from officers and drove at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner.

After pursuing the vehicle for several miles, officers again determined that the danger created by the suspect presented an undue risk of serious injury or death to the operator, officers and innocent bystanders. The officers again terminated the pursuit.

On September 30,  a coordinated and directed effort by several officers resulted in again locating and safely taking into custody the operator of the vehicle. Haresemovech was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Village of Liberty Police Department.

Haresemovech was charged with two counts of unlawfully fleeing a police officer, and reckless driving, misdemeanors, as well as 25 traffic tickets including speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, failing to keep right, unsafe turn, operating without a driver’s license, and operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. In accordance with New York State bail reform laws, Haremovich was issued an appearance ticket to return to the Town of Liberty Court on October 4.