05/30/2026
RUN (IN A KIA) AND YOU’RE DONE
On May 27, 2026, Officer Louis Scafetta III observed a vehicle traveling 101 mph in a posted 40 mph zone on State Route 5 in the Town of LeRoy.
When Officer Scafetta attempted a traffic stop, the operator refused to stop and fled. A pursuit was initiated and continued through the Town of LeRoy and into the Town of Caledonia. In the interest of public safety, Officer Scafetta made the decision to terminate the pursuit rather than continue to increase the risk to other motorists.
Before anyone asks, no, Officer Scafetta was not able to obtain a license plate during the pursuit. Apparently, his V8 Dodge Charger could not quite keep pace with a 2019 Kia Sorento. Don’t worry, he’s still getting roasted by the other officers in the department for that one.
What some people fail to understand is that the end of a pursuit does not mean the end of an investigation.
The following day, Officer Scafetta and Detective Nielson got right back to work. Detective Nielson reviewed video footage from businesses and residences along the Route 5 corridor while both officers conducted interviews, knocked on doors, followed leads, and gathered information. Piece by piece, they put the investigation together and ultimately identified the suspect.
That suspect is now in custody and facing charges.
This was not the crime of the century. However, good police work is not just about solving major crimes. It is also about addressing dangerous behavior before it leads to something much worse. A person willing to drive 101 mph on a two lane roadway and flee from police creates a serious risk to everyone else on the road.
Excellent work by Officer Scafetta and Detective Nielson for their persistence, determination, and commitment to seeing this case through to the end.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The defendant was arrested on multiple Penal Law charges as well as numerous Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.