Published: April 01, 2008 01:06 am            

NEWFANE: Two charged following chase

NEWFANE — Two people are facing charges after police chased a suspect through the woods off Lockport-Olcott Road on Friday night.

Sheriff’s deputies reported seeing a silver Cadillac, occupied by two people, headed north on Route 78 about 9:09 p.m. with no headlights or tail lights on.

As deputies approached, the Cadillac entered the McDonald’s parking lot and pulled quickly into a parking spot.

The driver — James T. Kusmierczak, 23, 12 Chestnut St., Medina — reportedly bailed out of the car and fled on foot to the west.

Deputies radioed to dispatch and several units were summoned to the scene to assist.

The passenger — Ashley M. Powell, 24, 1020 Elm St., Medina — was ordered out of the car at gunpoint and complied with deputies.

Powell reportedly told deputies she had picked up Kusmierczak in the City of Lockport “because he like my car and wanted to take it for a ride,” the report said.

Powell reportedly told deputies she didn’t have any information about the man, except “that his name might be James.”

Further investigation revealed the man to be Kusmierczak, who is Powell’s longtime boyfriend, the report said.

The Lockport Police Department was called in to assist, and K-9 units were dispatched. After a short time, Kusmierczak was found hiding in the woods several miles away with no shoes on.

Deputies searched him and reportedly found a bag of marijuana.

The Wright’s Corners Volunteer Fire Company responded to assess Kusmierczak’s condition, due to his exposure to the cold. He signed off treatment at the scene, the report said.

Kusmierczak was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, unlawful possession of marijuana, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving without a seat belt and driving without headlights.

Powell was charged with obstructing governmental administration and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Each was held in lieu of $500 bail. They are both due today in Newfane Town Court.

        

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