VESTAL — A routine vehicle stop by Vestal police on Friday led to a pursuit and the arrest of a suspect for multiple charges, including menacing a police officer.
At approximately 11:10 a.m., officers initiated a traffic stop for an expired vehicle inspection.
During the stop, the officer noticed the driver, Bryan C. Nixon, 27, of Endicott, move his hand towards his hip, spotting a firearm.
The officer instructed Nixon not to reach for the weapon, but he placed his hand on it, prompting the officer to retreat to a safe location as the vehicle fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle onto SR 434, eventually leading to an accident on the SR 26N on-ramp when Nixon’s vehicle struck another car, causing it to veer off the road.
Nixon attempted to exit his moving vehicle but was struck by it, resulting in minor injuries.
He then discarded the firearm in a wooded area while fleeing on foot.
Police apprehended Nixon without further incident and provided medical treatment for his injuries.
Nixon faces charges including menacing a police officer, tampering with physical evidence, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving.
He was also issued 11 traffic tickets.
Agencies assisting include the Endicott Police Department, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation K9 unit, and the New York State Police.
