An alleged drugged driver fled police in a high-speed chase with his infant son in the back seat before ramming a Southampton Town Police officer’s patrol car, authorities said.
An officer tried to stop a Dodge Durango for traffic violations on Ludlam Avenue in Riverside when the driver, Tyshawn Riddick, ignored the flashing lights and sirens as he sped through stop signs and a red light at 9:22 a.m. Friday, police said.
The 22-year-old Riverhead man stopped on Brookhaven Avenue in Flanders, put the SUV in reverse and rammed the patrol car before running away, leaving his 3-month-old son in the backseat, police said. Riddick was apprehended shortly later.
The baby and the officer were taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center. The infant was released without any injuries. The officer suffered multiple injuries and is in stable condition.
Investigators found Riddick to be under the influence of drugs and with a suspended license.
He was charged with assault, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of child, driving without a license, fleeing a police officer, marijuana possession, driving while ability impaired by drugs and driving while intoxicated with a child, a felony under Leandra’s Law.
Bail for Riddick was set at $30,000. Suffolk County Child Protective Services was notified.