Police: New York Man Led Cops on Chase that Ended at Ham Raffle

AVON, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a western New York man led police on a car chase that ended when he attempted to elude officers by ducking into a fire hall where a ham raffle was being held.

The Livingston County Sheriff's Office says deputies tried to pull over 31-year-old John Palermo of Rochester as he drove on Interstate 390 on Saturday night. Police say Palermo exited the highway and drove into Avon, 20 miles south of Rochester.

Palermo sped across several lawns before stopping at the East Avon fire hall and running inside.

He tried to blend in with the crowd attending a ham raffle, but an off-duty deputy who's also a volunteer firefighter helped capture him.

Palermo was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and fleeing from police. It couldn't be determined if he has a lawyer.

(Story by: The Associated Press)