Just after 8 in the morning on Tuesday, October 10th, an officer from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Route 20 in the Town of Springfield.
The officer then attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the speeding vehicle, but the vehicle failed to comply and began attempting to elude officers. Officers conducted their pursuit of the vehicle on Route 20 into the Town of Cherry Valley, vehicle speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour.
The chase was called off when the fleeing vehicle then entered a construction zone at speeds of 105 miles per hour. Neighboring Schoharie County was called for assistance. Shortly after the pursuit, the vehicle was located at a Stewart’s Shop in Sharon Springs.
As the suspect began to leave the gas station, they struck an uninvolved vehicle that was traveling on Route 20. The suspect then fled the scene. No serious injuries occurred in the crash.
Officers were able to locate the suspect on Route 20 in the Town of Carlisle. The suspect was identified as 21 year old Bryce T. Barnhart of Cortland.
Barnhart is facing multiple charges including Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer, Failure to Comply, Reckless Driving, Speed Over 55mph (118mph in a 55 zone), Speeding in a Construction Zone (105mph in the zone).
He was taken into custody by Otsego County Officers and was processed and later released on appearance tickets to return at a later date. Barnhart was also issued traffic citations from the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office.
