Police Chase Leads
To Crash, DWI Arrest
ONEONTA – An unlicensed 21 year old driving the wrong way down Water and Chestnut Streets lead to a brief chase and arrest on multiple charges, including Aggravated DWI and Reckless Driving.
On Saturday Dec. 12 at about 1:10 a.m., the city of Oneonta Police Department officers Sgt Collison and Ptl Harvey observed a vehicle, driven by John C. Buffa II, 21, Plymouth, that left the parking garage and traveled the wrong way down Water Street. In the process, he hit two vehicles and almost hit numerous pedestrians who jumped out of his way.
He then traveled up Chestnut Street Extension the wrong way and failed to pull over when police attempted to stop him using lights and siren. He briefly fled until he crashed into the trees and bushes at the First United Methodist Church at Chestnut Street and Church Street. He did not hit the structure and only caused damage to the trees and shrubs of the church.
Buffa was then taken into custody without incident or injury to himself/others. He was charged with the following charges;
Aggravated DWI (BAC above .16%) (Misdemeanor)
Reckless Driving (Misdemeanor)
Aggravated unlicensed driving 3rd ( Misdemeanor)
Criminal Mischief 4th (Class A misdemeanor)
Wrong Way-One Way-x2
Unlicensed Operator
Leaving the Scene PD-MVA
Failed to Comply
Passed Red Light
No Signal