Ferrari driver appeared to have been involved in high-speed pursuit

MAN...and I thought I had a lead foot!

Hey all, you've got a visitor from 6speedonline, but i've lurked on these forums before. As Marge Simpson once said during a Simpson's episode "long time reader, first time stander-uper." This was the time to bite the bullet and register.

First off, I hope everyone who attended Ferrari Maserati Racing Days at Lime Rock Park had a great time.

The Mrs. and I got a late start leaving LRP after watching the FCA/dealer showcase lapping. After having dinner at Four Bros. in Amenia, we decided to hit the road back to Mt. Kisco. We took 44 and picked up the Taconic.

Around 9pm tonight we saw a bunch of commotion near Drake Rd. It turns out that 3 troopers had pulled over a 550/575M in TDF (credit to the wife for correctly naming the color!). In addition to the std. crown vic, the two other vehicles were camaro's, which made me suspect there was some sort of chase involved. If that wasn't enough, there was a helicopter not too far overhead. I'm going to pull a wild guess and say that they weren't interested in reporting traffic. Passing by at a slow speed, we noticed someone in handcuffs. Oddly enough, there was someone else NOT in cuffs (unless troopers were in the process of doing so). As far as I could tell, the vehicle had not sustained any damage. Even flares were up - everything just looked bizarre.

Now I don't know if this was a case of "drive it like you stole it" or "drive it because you stole it" but it seemed serious. If it's the latter, the SOB(s) deserve what they get. If not, i hope everything works out for this person. Moderators, I hope this post isn't out of line. If you feel that my posting of the model and color is inappropriate, I apologize. I guess I was just shocked!

Did anyone else see this?

Regards,
Jacob

BTW: Does anyone know what kind of F-car won the historic car race? Happened to be car #1 too! Sounded like a mean sucker...

 

the police around the area were being very very VERY vigilant..

 

Welcome. I visited 6speed frequently when i had a GT2. I used to haunt the Taconic until I took a couple speeds there that made me see a higher power. I usually find the State guys to be pretty even-handed, but it sounds like something got them pissed. Porsches are well regarded here, at least by those in the know....

 

I don't recall a blue 550/575 being at the track at all. There was a TDF 456... Are you sure on the model? I just looked through my pictures again and found no blue 550/575, though that doesn't mean it wasn't there.

 

the TDF 456 was foli's, highly unlikely

 

I'm almost 100% sure it was a Maranello. Theres a slight chance it could have been a 456, but i saw it had two side scoops (as opposed to one on the 456). I did not remember seeing the vehicle either in the lot near the Skip Barber warehouse. It might not have been at LRP, but i thought it was too much of a coincidence. Then again, it could have been anywhere in the parking grounds.

 

Sweet! GT2's are nuts! I've never driven one, but i know they'll go bananas

 

OMG I SAW THIS TOO!!! The Ferrari was on a flat bed tow truck when I passed by with my dad around 9:15 PM or so. I figured there was a maintenance problem or something, but apparently not if a guy was in handcuffs. Hope everything works out for the driver cause the judge will come down hard on someone who sped on those narrow roads up there at high speeds in an exotic car!!

 

Depends on how b1tchy the ex-wife was....
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Geez I hope it wasn't Brother Bruce or his car.

 

it wasn't Bruce, he didn't make the voyage to LR.
Dave Monk and I left around 5:00 in my TR and went route 44 to route 8. Route 8 is a sweet highway where you can average 120 !! No cops and smooth sailing all the way!!
Sorry for these guys, if they got pinched by the fuzz. But that's the chance we all take when we turn the key.

 

I did the same trip in a 550 maranello that day, saw a lot of cops, and with the speeds that car can reach on those roads im not surprised hand cuffs were involved. The car i was in was titanium not tdf though.

 

Handcuffs weren't the only things involved! A helicopter apparently was used....insane!

 

can't helichopter sonly do like 120-130?? If he stole it he should have been gone. If it was his car I undrstand giving up. And yes they will tow your a$$ and cuff you. Got mine towed for someother less serious crap, but I get threaten almost everytime I get stopped.

 

But their visual range is huge and its unlikely that a car would be able to sustain the speed necessary to escape from its sights.

 

unless they are in the LA flood control thingys. Like in gone in 60 seconds

 

Any bear suits?? Mebbe it was Frame...

 

You can't outrun a helo......

Think point to point.........they are going in a straight line.

 

Think hypotenuse. The only way to lose a helo is lose line of sight.

Like with the F50, you need a trailer or a garage to disappear into. And if its your car, they already have your plates, so why bother running.

Sunny

 

Don't run..............

Ever heard of FLIR? Helo=caught and upset officers

 

I thought his 550 was yellow...

 

Heres the article in today's newspaper:

Monday, July 11, 2005
Exotic Car Driver Arrested Along 44
State Police work together
By Nik Bonopartis
Northern Dutchess News


Millbrook - A driver of a Ferrari was arrested Saturday evening after being pursued by state police for driving at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour along Route 44 in Millbrook.

Patrick Mealy, 32, of Mahopac, NY was arrested after police stopped him for driving at dangerously high speeds along the narrow county road. "The suspect was very cooperative and apologetic, but we do not tolerate this kind of recklessness," said state police lieutenant Zack Cerrone.

A state police helicopter over flying Poughkeepsie enroute to Albany Airport responded to the call in case the suspect fled. "The helicopter unit was called in just in case a chase broke out because it would be very difficult catching this kind of vehicle," said Cerrone.

Patrick Mealy was arrested and charged with speeding, reckless driving, and reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in the town of Millbrook court and sent to Dutchess County Jail on $5000 bail.

 

"Over 100" is easy to do, especially in a 550. Heck, I used to hit 104mph in a Corolla frequently (now there's a death wish).

It's interesting how cop chase shows, etc. always snarl stuff like, "ravaging the highways at over EIGHTY-FIVE MILES PER HOUR!" And any Korean car could do 100+ nowadays.

 

$5k bail? Seems a bit harsh, although I'm not sure what you'd have to shell out for pulling a stunt like that.

"In excess of 100" seems like an understatement. Either that or he failed to comply, which in that case, the article failed to mention.

Linky please?

Jacob

 

Thanks for posting the info....

Sorry Patrick