POLICE: Driver arrested following chase in Lowville registered a .21% BAC, Deputies allege

LOWVILLE- Wednesday's police chase in the village has resulted in an arrest, as the driver reportedly blew a BAC level over twice the legal limit.

Michael J. Burke Jr., 54, of Carthage, NY was arrested and charged by the Sheriff's Office with counts of aggravated DWI, DWI, reckless endangerment in the second-degree, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in the third-degree and reckless driving.

Deputies also issued Burke with numerous other unspecified traffic tickets.

The arrest stems from a reported hit-and-run crash at the "four corners" intersection, where bystanders were able to describe a black colored SUV, with a possible license plate from North Carolina.

Soon, police patrols managed to spot a vehicle matching that description on South State Street, near the Stowe Street intersection. After catching up with the vehicle at Tops Plaza, deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Burke, the alleged driver, failed to comply.

Instead, a pursuit ensued, as Burke took off out of the plaza and sped north in a reckless and erratic manner on State Street, police reported.

During the chase, Deputies say Burke managed to strike several vehicles, while also smashing various mailboxes and taking out a pedestrian crossing sign.

The chase didn't make it too far out of the village limits, as Burke was eventually apprehended just out of town on State Route 812.

Burke reportedly agreed to and failed field sobriety testing. He also registered a .21% BAC during processing.

Following an arraignment, Burke was released, though an investigation remains ongoing.

Lowville Police and Turck's Towing assisted. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office extends a thank you to witnesses who came forward with critical information.

DWI image.