BAINBRIDGE – On June 25, at approximately 9 a.m., a NY State Trooper was patrolling on East Main Street in the Village of Bainbridge when he observed a vehicle make vehicle and traffic infractions. The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the operator failed to comply.

While on State Route 206, the trooper did self-terminate the failure to comply after observing behavior that could be dangerous to other motorists on the roadway.

A short time later, the trooper observed the vehicle had struck a pole, a tree, damaged a yard and the vehicle had caught on fire. 

Troopers immediately discovered that the operator had fled the scene and used division issued fire extinguishers in attempt to put out the flames before members from the fire department arrived.

Troopers searched the immediate area for the operator to check his welfare.

At approximately 2:18 p.m., troopers located Peter D. Puglisi, age 39 of Unadilla, NY at an address on County Road 38 in the town of Bainbridge.  

Puglisi was arrested and issued appearance tickets for the misdemeanors of criminal mischief and unlawfully fleeing a police office in a motor vehicle. 

He is scheduled to appear in the Bainbridge Town Court on July 15, 2024.

– Information from the NYSP