Katonah Man Flees From Cops, Drives Recklessly In Yorktown: Police

KATONAH, NY — A northern Westchester resident was accused of fleeing from a police officer and endangering others by driving recklessly.

The Yorktown Police Department said Max Nicholas Lupinacci, 19, of Katonah, was arrested Monday and charged with third-degree unlawful fleeing a police office, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and reckless driving, misdemeanors.

Police said, shortly after 1 a.m. Jan. 18, an officer said they saw a car traveling at an unreasonable speed and ignoring a stop sign at Commerce and Hanover streets.

Multiple Yorktown officers tried to stop the car, which failed to comply with a lawful order to stop.

Police said Lupinacci, the driver, continued traveling on Moseman Road and Maxwell Court in a reckless manner, by driving on the wrong side of the road with no headlights — almost striking a Yorktown police vehicle head-on, disobeying traffic control devices and speeding.

Officers continued the pursuit in the area of Route 35 after determining Lupinacci’s actions were putting the safety of others in jeopardy, police said.

The New York State Police found the car parked and unoccupied at Lupinacci’s address.

An investigation began, and a check of his license showed he was driving while his privilege to do so was suspended, authorities said.

The Yorktown Justice Court issued an arrest warrant, and on Monday, members of the Carmel Police Department located Lupinacci in their jurisdiction. He was placed under arrest.

The Katonah resident was taken to Yorktown Police Headquarters where he was processed on the charges. He was arraigned in the Yorktown Justice Court. Bail was set at $10,000 cash, $25,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured bond.

Lupinacci was unable to post bail and was sent to the Westchester County Jail.

He is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.