Rush-Hour Drag Race Ends in 1 Crash, 2 Arrests

At 5:04 p.m. May 6, an Orangetown Police Officer on patrol southbound on Route 303 in Tappan saw a 2010 Volkswagon GTI and a 2011 Volkswagon GTI engaged in an illegal speed contest northbound on Route 303 during the height of rush hour.

The officer activated his emergency lights signaling the offenders to pull over. Instead they accelerated. One of the VW’s then crashed into a Jeep occupied by a 28-year-old Smyrna, NY man causing extensive damage to both vehicles and injuries to the Jeep’s driver.

The second VW fled the scene east on Kings Highway—but his license plate was recorded on the police car’s license plate reader and the driver was apprehended a short time later with the assistance of Piermont Police Officers.

The driver of the VW involved in the crash was apprehended at the scene after a brief struggle with the officer. During the struggle the officer’s hand was cut.

Arrested were Justin Flores, 21 from Sparkill, NY, and a 16-year-old from Tappan, NY.

Flores was charged with Unlawful Fleeing A Police Officer, Reckless Driving and Criminal Possession of Marijuana 5th degree, all misdemeanors.

Police are withholding the name of the 16-year-old because he is eligible for youthful offender status. He was charged with Reckless Driving, Illegal Speed Contest, Resisting Arrest, Fleeing A Police Officer and numerous vehicle and traffic offenses.

Flores was released on $200 bail and is due in Orangetown Court on May 27, and the 16-year-old was released to his mother on $150 bail and is due in Orangetown Court on May 20.