PHOTO CREDIT: New York State Police
ERIN, N.Y. (WENY) -- A police chase spanning four counties ended Saturday afternoon with a man in custody, with a gun, drugs, and children were also in the car, according to authorities.
On January 20th, New York State Police say what started as a traffic stop for a moving violation ended up in a pursuit. According to state police, troopers tried to stop a 2011 Honda Fit for a moving violation on Red Chalk Road in the Town of Erin, but the car did not pull over. The chase continued across counties, including Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler, and Tioga.
The chase ended on Vankirk Road in the town of Newfield.
Police say the driver of the car was Austin M. Elia, age 25, of Willseyville, N.Y., in Tioga county. They say he got out of the car immediately and was taken into custody. Two male children, ages 12 and 14, were also in the car, according to police.
After an investigation, police say they found Elia in possession of of a loaded AK-47, two high-capacity magazines with 16 rounds of ammunition, along with methamphetamine with packaging material. Elia is charged with Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd (B Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd (D Felony), Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd (A Misdemeanor), Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 2nd (Unclassified Misdemeanor) and traffic infractions.
Elia was arraigned in the Town of Van Etten Court and was sent to Chemung County Jail in lieu of $200,000 cash and $400,000 bond.
Chemung and Schuyler County Sheriff's Offices assisted the New York State Police.