Driver In Mercedes-Benz Leads Police On North Fork Chase: Cops

NORTH FORK, NY — A driver speeding in a Mercedes-Benz led police on a pursuit through the North Fork recently, police said.

According to Southold Town Police, the incident took place on October 29 at 6 p.m. on County Road 48 in Southold. An officer engaged in speed enforcement on Route 48 saw James Lebkuecher, 49, of Jamesport, speeding and heading east in a 1987 white Mercedes near Ackerly Pond Lane, police said.

The officer attempted to execute a traffic stop near Youngs Ave on County Road 48 but Lebkuecher fled "at a high rate of speed;" a pursuit commenced throughout the Town of Southold and was later terminated as it neared the Village of Greenport, police said.

The vehicle was later located near Bridge Street and Sterling Place by other officers, police said. The driver again fled as he was approached and drove into the Eastern Long Island Hospital parking lot, police said.

Lebkuecher was subdued at ELIH, placed under arrest, and charged with numerous traffic violations including speeding, improper passing on the right, failure to stop at a stop sign, third-degree fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, unsafe turn/failure to signal, moving from lane unsafely, driving without a license, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation with 10 or more suspensions, and failure to obey a police officer, authorities said.