Man Arrested After Speeding To Avoid Officer: Police

SAGAPONACK, NY — A Nesconset man was arrested Saturday night after he tried to evade authorities at a high rate of speed in Sagaponack and headed to East Hampton, authorities said.

According to Southampton Town police, the incident took place at 7 p.m., when a report came in about a "reckless, erratic" driver heading east on Montauk Highway in Sagaponack, police said.

A patrol officer spotted William Barbera, 21, speeding and passing vehicles unlawfully, and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, police said.

Barbera failed to comply and continued eastbound, still at a high rate of speed and operating recklessly; ultimately, the officer discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons, police said.

A short while later, the vehicle was located by East Hampton Town Police and Barbera was arrested on unrelated charges in that jurisdiction, police said.

While in custody at East Hampton Town Police headquarters, Barbera was identified reference to the incident in Sagaponack and, following an investigation, he was arrested and charged with third-degree unlawfully fleeing a police in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor; reckless driving, a misdemeanor; and several other traffic violations, police said.

Barbera was released on an appearance ticket for court at a later date, police said.