Southport, New York – A suspected intoxicated driver was arrested following a multi-agency pursuit that crossed state lines and resulted in a deputy’s patrol vehicle being struck, according to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were dispatched at approximately 11:15 a.m. Tuesday to State Route 328 in the Town of Southport for reports of an erratic driver. A Southport resident deputy located a black Ford F-150 stopped on the shoulder near the Webb Mills roundabout and made contact with the sole occupant, identified as Brian T. Wilcox, 53, of Milan, Pennsylvania.
According to deputies, Wilcox pulled back onto the roadway and began traveling north on S.R. 328. Additional deputies joined the response, and the vehicle was stopped briefly at the intersection of S.R. 328 and S.R. 14 before turning onto Route 14 and accelerating at a high rate of speed. Deputies activated lights and sirens, but Wilcox allegedly failed to comply.
Authorities said Wilcox drove erratically, swerving, crossing fog lines, and centerlines as the pursuit continued toward the Pennsylvania state line. Near Doty Hill Road, Pennsylvania State Police joined the pursuit. At one point, deputies attempted to block Wilcox’s vehicle, but he allegedly accelerated and struck the passenger side of a Chemung County deputy’s patrol car before fleeing again.
The pursuit continued briefly until Wilcox lost control on Coleman Road, exited the vehicle, and fled on foot after crashing into a tree. Deputies apprehended Wilcox following a physical altercation. He was transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center for treatment.
Deputies determined Wilcox was allegedly highly intoxicated. He was charged in New York with felony DWI, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to comply, and multiple traffic violations. Pennsylvania authorities are pursuing additional charges, including aggravated assault, fleeing law enforcement, and reckless endangerment.
Wilcox was arraigned in Southport Town Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail without bail. Extradition to Pennsylvania is pending.
For commuters along Routes 328 and 14, deputies emphasized the dangers impaired drivers pose during daytime traffic hours.
