Rochester, NY - Man Steals Squad Car during traffic stop - Assaults Officer - 20 MN Chase through City

(April 21, 2006) — Rochester Police arrested a Clifton Springs man about 1 a.m. today after he stole a squad car and led them on a chase through the city, that ended on Interstate 490 near Clinton Avenue.

Steven Eldridge, 37, tried to back into a police car while an officer attempted to make a traffic stop on First Street downtown, said Rochester Police Lt. Tim List.

Eldridge then got out of his car and had a "physical altercation" with the officer, after which he jumped into the squad car and attempted to get away, List said.

Eldridge led Rochester Police, Irondequoit Police, Monroe County Sheriff's deputies and state troopers on a 20-minute chase, mostly through the city, that ended after he briefly tried going east in the westbound lane of Interstate 490, then attempted to flee on foot, according to List.


Eldridge was charged with grand larceny, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest, all felonies according to List. He was also issued numerous vehicle and traffic tickets, List said.


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