Prepared By: Sgt J. Villafrank

Type of Investigation: Pursuit

Date and Time:​10/02/2026 at 06:47 Hours

Location:​Town of Westfield​

 

Subject(s): Lutheter Younger

​52, F, Rochester

• Charge(s):  ​ Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident

• No Stopping/Standing on Highway

• Speeding in a School Zone

• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree (AUO 2nd)

• Failed to Keep Right

• Moved from Lane Unsafely

• Reckless Driving

• Failed to Comply with a Lawful Order

• Unregistered Motor Vehicle

• No Insurance

• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

• Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle

 

Status: Appearance Ticket

 

Details of Incident:​

On October 2, 2026, at approximately 0647 hours, officers of the Village of Westfield Police Department observed a motor vehicle stopped in the eastbound lane of East Main Street, obstructing the normal flow of traffic.

Officers attempted to make contact with the operator, who was later identified as Lutheter Younger, 52, of Rochester, New York. As officers approached the vehicle, Younger accelerated away at a high rate of speed and began operating the vehicle in an erratic manner.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle continued to be operated in a reckless manner through portions of the Village and Town of Westfield.

The pursuit ultimately came to an end when the vehicle struck a heavy-duty cable barrier, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter Lake Erie.

As a precaution, the Chautauqua County SWAT Team was requested to assist with the incident. Members of the SWAT Team were able to safely remove Younger from the lake without further incident.

Younger was transported to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the investigation, Younger was issued an appearance ticket and Uniform Traffic Tickets for the following violations:

• Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident

• No Stopping/Standing on Highway

• Speeding in a School Zone

• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree (AUO 2nd)

• Failed to Keep Right

• Moved from Lane Unsafely

• Reckless Driving

• Failed to Comply with a Lawful Order

• Unregistered Motor Vehicle

• No Insurance

Younger was also charged under the New York State Penal Law with:

• Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree

• Unlawful Fleeing of a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle

Younger is scheduled to appear in Town of Westfield Court at a later date and time.

All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Additionally, Younger is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation regarding alleged damage to patrol vehicles belonging to assisting law enforcement agencies during the incident. Further charges may be pending as the investigation continues.

The Westfield Police Department was assisted during this incident by the Chautauqua County SWAT Team and other assisting agencies.