NORWICH — On April 21, at approximately 10:48 p.m., the Norwich City Police Department (NPD) concluded an investigation into a failure to comply and vehicle pursuit that ended with multiple criminal charges, 20 traffic tickets, warrants, and drug paraphernalia.

Mark J. Andrews, 27, of North Pitcher, New York, was taken into custody by members of the Norwich City Police Department and charged with first degree aggravated unlicensed operation, a class E felony; DWI drugs, a class A misdemeanor; reckless driving, a class A misdemeanor; and resisting arrest, a class A misdemeanor.

It is alleged that at approximately 10:48 p.m., a Norwich Police Officer attempted a traffic stop on a Ford pick-up truck with switched license plates. The truck failed to pull over, and a vehicle pursuit ensued, ending in Hortsman’s Trailer Park in the Town of Norwich. The driver of the vehicle, Mark Andrews, then barricaded himself in the vehicle for a period, until Norwich Police Officers were able to eventually talk him out of the vehicle.

Once Andrews was in custody, it was learned that he had two outstanding felony warrants; one for first degree aggravated unlicensed operation out of the City of Norwich Court, and one for first degree aggravated unlicensed operation from the New York State Police. Both warrants were for failure to appear in court.

Andrews was found to be operating the pick-up under the influence of methamphetamine. It was also learned that Andrews’ license had been suspended 33 times. Andrews was arraigned at CAP Court and released in compliance with bail reform.

“This is a very frustrating situation,” reported Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach. “This gentleman had two felony warrants, fled from the police while high on methamphetamine, and endangered everyone he encountered on the roadway. We are very fortunate that someone wasn’t seriously injured by his actions.”

- Information provided by the NPD