Police

Top Stories 2016: High-speed chase through Riverhead

Riverhead police chase

In September, a Riverhead woman’s daring escape from custody preceded a second high-speed police chase, an incident that ultimately ended with 15 felony charges against her.

The ordeal began Sept. 17 in Southampton Town, when police were alerted to a suspicious vehicle, which was driven by Rasheeda Brown, prosecutors said. The first chase began when police approached and Ms. Brown, driving a stolen vehicle, led the cops from Sunrise Highway to Route 111, onto the Long Island Expressway and then into Riverhead. She eventually crashed into a state trooper’s car in a parking lot. Ms. Brown tried to run and was arrested.

The incident was just beginning, however. Ms. Brown was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where she managed to escape custody while in handcuffs. The bathroom in her room was connected to another room, prosecutors said.

She stole a second vehicle from the TJ Maxx parking lot and fled to her residence on Mill Road, where she received help in removing the handcuffs, prosecutors said.

Police used a “Find My iPhone” app from the TJ Maxx victim to track down the stolen car. Ms. Brown led police on a second chase, which ended when she collided with a Jeep on Route 58 that was towing a Sea-Doo jet ski. She tried to steal a third car but was apprehended.

Prosecutors ultimately charged the 30-year-old with 15 felonies for grand larceny, escaping custody, possession of stolen property and vehicle theft. She pleaded not guilty in October.

File photo: A view of Route 58, closed in both directions, after the high-speed police chase. (Credit: Tim Gannon)