MALTA, N.Y. (WNYT) – A Malta man is accused of driving drunk and leading police on a chase.
Officers attempted to stop Bradley W. Crannell, 52, just after 10 p.m. Tuesday on High Street in Malta for a traffic violation. After initially stopping, Crannell fled the scene in his vehicle, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said.
Crannell abandoned his car at the old Spa Brahuas on East High Street and ran into the woods, according to investigators. Police used a drone and thermal camera to find Crannell lying next to a creek. He was arrested without incident.
Crannell’s license was revoked because of a previous DWI conviction. The charge was upgraded to a felony because he was convicted within the last 10 years.
He allegedly refused a chemical test. Crannell was cited for not having license plates that were proper for the vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without an inspection and without the required financial security, not driving on the right side of the road, not stopping at a red light.
He was arraigned before the Honorable Ellwood A. Sloat Jr. in Malta Town Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail.