On November 19, 2024, at 1:57 AM, Tompkins County Sheriff's Deputies observed a blue Toyota Prius operating with an equipment violation and no visible registration displayed on State Route 13 near Mazourek Road in the Town of Newfield. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the vehicle sped off. Eventually the vehicle pulled over and the driver was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies identified the driver as Victor M. Rodiguez, age 39 of Tully, NY. Rodriguez held a suspended driver's license with a total of 6 suspensions. Rodriguez also had an active arrest warrant for assault. Through further investigation deputies determined that the Toyota Prius was stolen from a location in Pennsylvania earlier in the evening.
Rodriguez was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Reckless Driving, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd Degree. Rodriguez was turned over to the Tompkins County Jail to await Centralized Arraignment proceedings.
