Suffolk County Deputy Sheriffs saw Lester Franco, of Bay Shore, driving at high speeds on Sunrise Highway in Bohemia at about 3 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, and pulled the vehicle over on Johnson Avenue on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the Sheriff's Office reported on Monday, Aug. 15.
According to the report, Franco ran away through a nearby parking lot, and authorities ran after him and apprehended him.
Authorities reported finding more than 10 ounces of cocaine, plastic baggies, and a scale during a search of the vehicle.
The Sheriff's Office said Franco was charged with:
- One count of third-degree possession of a controlled substance
- One count of fourth-degree possession of a controlled substance
- DWI – First offense
- Two counts of second-degree possession of drug paraphernalia
- Miscellaneous vehicle and traffic charges
“This suspect was stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and the arrest turned into a foot pursuit and a dangerous struggle," Sheriff Errol Toulon said. "My Deputy Sheriffs never know what they will encounter when they make a traffic stop and I commend them for their bravery and diligence in bringing this man to justice and keeping Suffolk County safe.”
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