A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”
In New York, fleeing from a law enforcement officer who is attempting to lawfully arrest or detain an individual is a criminal offense. This is often referred to as 'fleeing and eluding.' Under New York law, specifically Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 270, it is a crime to knowingly flee or attempt to elude a police officer after receiving a signal to stop. The severity of the offense can escalate based on certain factors, such as using a motor vehicle or watercraft to flee, or causing physical injury to another person during the act of fleeing. These aggravating factors can lead to higher penalties, including increased fines and imprisonment. The exact charges and penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the evasion, the presence of aggravating factors, and the individual's criminal history.