Police: Unlicensed Speeding Driver With Marijuana Was On Parole

WAWARSING, NY — A Wallkill man was arrested on a rising number of charges after a police chase Sunday evening.

It started at 5 p.m. when a state trooper saw a 2017 Chevy Malibu violating several vehicle and traffic laws on route 52, New York State police in Ellenville said.

The trooper attempted to stop the car, but the driver sped away. When the Malibu's speed reached 120 mph, the trooper discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons, police said. Shortly thereafter, he saw the same vehicle crashed into a guide rail. Ulster County sheriffs were already on the scene.

The driver was identified as Michael L. Wright, 32.

Police said they searched the Malibu and found 313 grams of marijuana.

Further investigation revealed that Wright was driving on a suspended license.

He was charged with one felony: Criminal Possession of Marijuana 3rd degree; and four misdemeanors: Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd degree; Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 2nd degree; Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree; and Reckless Driving. Wright was also issued 14 tickets.

He was given a date to appear in Town of Wawarsing Court, but then state police learned that he was in violation of his parole.

He was charged with that also and sent to Ulster County Jail without bail.