Published: July 19, 2008 02:09 am            

CRIME: Man faces 21 charges after chase

A city man is facing more than 20 charges after he allegedly took a woman’s car Thursday evening and drove recklessly through the city, causing several accidents along the way.

Jermaine R. Webster, 28, 101 Vine St., lower, was arrested Thursday evening after a brief pursuit by police.

A Dysinger Road woman told police she and Webster argued while at the Butcher Shop at Lincoln Avenue and Davison Road about 4:34 p.m.

The woman said Webster told her to drive him to his mother’s house, but she refused and got into her car, her infant daughter in the back seat.

As the woman was driving away, Webster allegedly jumped onto the hood of the car and told her he would break the windshield if she did not take him to his mother’s house.

He allegedly punched the windshield, causing it to crack, then kicked it, causing it to break.

The woman’s daughter was within 3 feet of the shattering glass, the report said.

Webster allegedly reached through the windshield and took the keys out of the ignition.

Damage to the windshield was estimated at $50. Lockport Police Capt. Brodsky said Webster suffered a cut to his hand, allegedly when he smashed the windshield.

The woman told police she got out of the car with her daughter and took out her cell phone. Webster allegedly grabbed the cell phone, worth $120, and snapped it in two, saying, “Yeah, how ’bout that? Yeah.”

The woman said she ran to a witness for help, and Webster got in the car and drove off.

Police dispatchers received reports the man was driving the 1999 Ford Taurus north on Davison Road heading toward Walnut Street, driving recklessly in the opposite lane and forcing vehicles off the road, resulting in two collisions and leaving the car totaled.

After the second collision, in the area of Cleveland Place and Walnut Street, Webster allegedly fled on foot.

He allegedly obtained a bicycle on Juniper Street, and officers spotted him riding it on Vine Street moments later, the report said.

Officers yelled to Webster that he was under arrest, but Webster allegedly kept riding the bike north, jumping off in the driveway at 101 Vine St., the report said.

Officers reportedly chased Webster on foot and saw him go in the back door.

A relative, Michael W. Webster, 22, also of 101 Vine St., came to the front door. Another family member reportedly let officers in the house.

Michael Webster allegedly approached one of the officers in a threatening manner and used obscenities, denying there was anyone there and telling officers to “get the (expletive) out of my house.”

Officers reportedly advised him to back away, but he allegedly refused and was placed under arrest, charged with second-degree obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. He was released on his own recognizance and is due Monday in Lockport City Court.

Officers reportedly found Jermaine Webster on the second floor of the home.

He is charged with two counts each of resisting arrest, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an auto accident. He is also charged with one count each of second-degree obstructing governmental administration, second-degree harassment, second-degree unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, unauthorized use of a vehicle, unreasonable speed, following too closely, unsafe passing, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle and driving the wrong way on a one way street.

He is also charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

He was held without bail and is due Monday in Lockport City Court.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

        

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