Man Who Endangered the Lives of His Daughter and Dozens of Motorists Arraigned on Six-Count Indictment

Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that the man who led Albany County Sheriffs on a high-speed chase, crashed his car and attempted to flee on foot - all while his 6-year-old daughter was in the backseat - has been formally charged.

Terrell Lewis, 30, was arraigned on a six-count indictment in front of the Honorable Roger McDonough that charges him with Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree, Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in the Third Degree, Reckless Driving, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

On Nov. 25 at around 12:17 p.m., Albany County Sheriff's Deputies attempted to pull over Lewis for a traffic violation when he sped off on I-90. Lewis weaved in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed before making a last-second turn onto the Loudon Road exit. Lewis then continued to drive north on Route 9 into oncoming traffic, forcing cars off the road and striking several vehicles before exiting his vehicle near Colonial Green Road and running from the scene.

Witnesses spotted Lewis's daughter emerge from the backseat and walk in the roadway before a good Samaritan pulled her to safety. Lewis, who was taken into custody a short time later, had an active felony bench warrant out of Albany County Superior Court for failing to appear for sentencing on a Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree charge. He was also wanted by Albany Police Department for a misdemeanor assault.

Lewis, who faces five to 15 years in state prison on the gun charge, pleaded not guilty and was remanded to the custody of the Albany County Correctional Facility.

Assistant District Attorney Steve Lydon of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE.