State Police stopped a speeding vehicle in the Town of Clifton Park, but soon found themselves in a foot pursuit through the woods to arrest the fleeing driver.
Police stopped a 1993 Mercedez for speeding on Van Patten Drive on Wednesday, Jan. 13, at approximately 3:30 p.m. As a trooper approached the car, the driver, 30-year-old Kip Asmus, of Schenectady, allegedly exited it and proceeded towards the trooper. Police said a brief struggle ensued between Asmus and the trooper before Asmus broke free and fled into a nearby wooded area, with the trooper pursuing him.
Then the passenger, 29-year-old Benjamin Rapisarda, of Schenectady, allegedly climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away from the scene as the foot pursuit entered the woods. A second trooper arrived and saw Rapisarda driving off and pulled over the vehicle, according to police. Rapisarda allegedly resisted being arrested, but once the original trooper returned he was arrested.
State Police and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office searched for Asmus with the assistance of a K9 unit and helicopter. Asmus was located and arrested a short time later, according to police.
Both men were charged with aggravated DWI, resisting arrest and DWI with a previous conviction within 10 years. Asmus also received a speeding ticket.
They were arraigned in the Town of Clifton Park Court and remanded to Saratoga County jail, Asmus in lieu of $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond and Rapisarda in lieu of $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.