A Southern Tier man is in custody after leading police on a pursuit through four counties over the weekend.
Horseheads State Police attempted to pull over a Honda Fit Saturday afternoon on Red Chalk Road in Erin for a moving violation. Instead, the driver of the Fit, 25-year-old Austin Elia, of Willseyville, led police on a chase through Chemung, Tompkins, Schuyler, and Tioga counties. He eventually stopped on Vankirk Road in Newfield and was placed into custody.
Troopers say they found a loaded AK-47, two high-capacity magazines with 16 rounds of ammunition, and approximately 7.5 grams of methamphetamine with packaging material in the car. Elia also had two passengers with him, ages 12 and 14. They were not injured.
Elia is charged with multiple felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon and controlled substance. Following his arraignment, Elia was sent to Chemung County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bail.
Chemung and Schuyler County Sheriff’s Offices assisted the New York State Police.
