A 45-minute long high speed chase ended in two blown tires and an overturned car on the evening of Tuesday, April 5, according to New York State Police Troop G.
The chase began at 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, after Joseph Wagner, 44, of Albany allegedly stole a car in Colonie. He then allegedly headed West on Western Avenue with Albany Police Department also in pursuit before reaching Guilderland, according to Troop G Spokeswoman Trooper Maureen Tuffey.
Both the Guilderland Police Department and Albany Police Department were not able to stop the vehicle before it began traveling west on Route 22 into New Scotland and into the town of Bethlehem.
The vehicle then began traveling on Route 32 heading into Greene County where the Greene County Sherriff’s Department successfully deployed spike strips, taking out two of its tires.
Normally a car would stop after that, said Tuffey. `In this case, the car didn’t stop.`
New York State Police Troop F became involved as Wagner continued on Route 32 until heading West on Route 23 and then Route 145 heading back to Albany County. Wagner then entered Broome County on 145 and lost control, driving off the right side of the road and flipping the car.
Wagner was taken into custody and then transported to the Cobleskill Hospital and transferred to Bassett Hospital for treatment of bruises, abrasions and a possible drug overdose.
Wagner was charged with criminal possession of stolen property, the vehicle, reckless endangerment in the first degree, driving while intoxicated and impaired, a felony, fleeing police officers, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, unlawful possession of marijuana and other vehicle and traffic infractions.
The chase stretched about 50 miles through the three counties at various speeds, according to police.“