Motorists puts clothes back on and surrenders to police

Motorists puts clothes back on and surrenders to police

A man who ripped his clothes off and fled after being pulled overfor a routine traffic stop on Grand Island is now in policecustody.

Mark Pannell, 27, of 157 Millicent Ave., Buffalo, surrendered topolice after his futile attempt at jumping in the Niagara River tofurther elude police late Saturday night, according to the ErieCounty Sheriff's Department.

The bizarre events resulting in Pannell's arrest began at about8:45 a.m. Saturday when deputies stopped Pannell's car on GrandIsland Boulevard near Staley Road for what is being described asminor traffic violations.

When Deputy Shaun Hediger returned to his patrol vehicle withPannell's driver's license, Pannell stripped down to his underwear and fled into the woods, police said.

Deputies pursed Pannell, but lost site of him in the denseunderbrush. Even bringing in state troopers, a Border Patrolhelicopter and K-9 dog didn't initially help. After about threehours, the search was suspended.

But at about 11:30 p.m., Grand Island police learned Pannell hadbeen spotted on River Road in the Town of Tonawanda, near the GrandIsland Bridge, and that he was now clothed. Deputies Michaell Haugand Brandon Stott, along with Grand Island Police OfficerChristopher Soluri began chasing Pannell, who ran toward the MidRiver Marina and jumped into the Niagara River, police said.

A Sheriff's marine unit was dispatched, but Pannell quickly tiredin the water. He exited the river and surrendered to police,officials said.

Pannell told police he was in the woods throughout the day, andeven took a nap in a tree house at one point. When it got dark,Pannell told police, he returned to the south Grand Island Bridge.

Police said Pannell was driving with a suspended license, and theyalso learned he was wanted in Buffalo on two misdemeanor warrantsfor possession of marijuana and some Vehicle and Traffic offenses.

Pannell was taken to the Erie County Holding Center pendingarraignment on the outstanding warrants and the traffic charges aswell as obstructing government administration charges related toSaturday's events.