Vehicle found parked on Southern State Parkway leads to early morning State Police pursuit and ends in arrest

Hempstead, New York – A routine welfare check by New York State Police turned into a brief but dangerous pursuit early Friday morning after a parked vehicle on the Southern State Parkway led troopers to an alarming discovery.

At approximately 2:54 a.m. on May 17, State Troopers were patrolling the eastbound lanes of the parkway near exit 15 in the Town of Hempstead when they spotted a grey 2004 BMW parked in the hazardous markings along the roadway. The vehicle’s hazard lights were flashing, prompting troopers to stop and check on the driver.

What began as a simple safety check quickly escalated. As the officers approached the car, they observed the driver—later identified as 62-year-old Peter Deleon—holding a lighter, a glass pipe, and a white substance that appeared to be crack cocaine. Concerned for his well-being and the safety of others, troopers asked Deleon to lower his window, which he did. But when they requested that he turn off the vehicle’s engine, Deleon unexpectedly sped away.

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A short pursuit followed as Deleon attempted to flee from the scene. His flight was quickly cut short when he lost control of the BMW and crashed into the center median. The vehicle rolled over as a result of the impact, ending the chase within moments.

Deleon was immediately taken into custody at the scene. He sustained a minor laceration to his head during the crash and received on-site medical treatment from emergency responders.

Authorities praised the quick actions of the troopers, stating that their timely response helped prevent a potentially much more dangerous situation. “Thankfully, due to the Troopers attentiveness, they were able to stop Deleon from driving under the influence and averted further danger,” said officials.

Following the arrest, Deleon was charged with multiple offenses, including criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth and seventh degrees, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, and several other vehicle and traffic violations.

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Deleon is currently being held at the Nassau County Detention Center and is awaiting arraignment.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of law enforcement work and the risks officers face even during routine stops. It also highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding substance use and impaired driving, especially on busy roadways like the Southern State Parkway.

No further injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing.