Manchester, Hartford Men Charged After Chase in New York State

CANAAN, NY — Men from Manchester and Hartford were arrested after a traffic stop on drug-related charges, police said.

State Police tried stopping a Chevrolet Trailblazer traveling west on Interstate-90 for a speeding violation on March 13 in the Town of Canaan in Columbia County, according to a report.

The driver, identified as Marlin M. Lawrence, 45, of Hartford, led the Troopers on a short chase that ended off on State Route 22 at State Route 203, where he ran off the road and became got stuck in a ditch, police said. Lawrence tried to flee on foot, while attempting to dispose of the narcotics, police said, but was apprehended a short distance from the vehicle.

Police said his passenger, Rogers L. Crawford, 46, of Manchester, was taken into custody at the scene.

They were found to be in possession of 5.2 ounces of cocaine, 2 grams of MDMA, which is commonly known as Ecstasy or Molly, and 2 grams of marijuana, police said. They were arrested and taken to the Albany barracks.

Lawrence was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Felony
• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree; a Class C Felony
• Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
• Unlawful Fleeing in the 3rd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
• Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; a Violation
• Reckless Driving and Numerous Vehicle & Traffic Violations
• He also had an active arrest warrant in Connecticut for parole absconding.

Crawford was arraigned before the Town of Canaan Court and sent to the Columbia Count Jail without bail.

Crawford was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 4th Degree; a Class C Felony
• Unlawful Possession of Marijuana; a Violation

He was arraigned before the Town of Canaan Court and sent to the Columbia County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Written by Patch Editor Michael Woyton

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