Tools

Man killed while leading troopers on Thruway chase

By Associated Press

Story Created: Feb 6, 2012 at 4:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2012 at 7:17 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - State police say a man who led troopers on a high-speed chase for almost 40 miles on the state Thruway died when his car struck a tree.

The chase began when troopers spotted a reportedly stolen car on the Thruway near Fonda just before 5 a.m. Monday. The driver - identified as Ricardo Bernabeu Jr, 25, of Rochester - drove east at speeds topping 100 mph before striking a tree at Albany Exit 23 about 20 minutes later.

State police believe Bernabeu had been trying to exit the highway.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car was reported stolen in Canastota.

State Police said further investigation determined that Bernabeu Jr was driving a Lexus stolen in Rochester that he abandoned at the Savon Gas Station at North Peterborough Street in Canastota where he then stole the Hyundai from in front of the store.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On