Boonville Police: Driver who nearly wrecked three times during chase was suffering medical incident

BOONVILLE- The driver involved in a police chase Tuesday night in Northern Oneida County was not up to any sort of criminal activity.

In fact, authorities tell us they were suffering from a medical incident.

It was just before 8:20 p.m. when Boonville Police received a be on the lookout notice from 9-1-1 dispatch regarding a northbound blue colored Jeep on Route 12.

Witnesses observed the Jeep swerving all over the road near the Remsen area. Boonville patrols witnessed the Jeep swerve into town about ten-minutes later.

Officers tried stopping the driver just south of the Moose River Road intersection and despite the Jeep slowing down to around 30-mph, the driver did not stop.

Boonville Police Department Officer in Charge Fred Robenski says the driver sped up to around 40-mph and nearly caused three wrecks by swerving sharply into the southbound lanes.

Even when police cruisers boxed the Jeep in, it appeared the driver tried to ram them. The chase continued north of the village, where the driver eventually stopped.

Once officers realized the 77-year-old male appeared to be suffering a medical episode, Boonville Ambulance was called to the scene. Although the nature was not described, medical officials did confirm a medical incident suffered by the man.

He was taken to a Utica hospital for treatment and as of this update, Officer Robenski says the man is in good condition.

Officer Robenski says he is thankful that no one was hurt.

Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputies assisted.

Generic ambulance image.