Saratoga Springs Man Flees Police Twice In One Night, Eventually Caught

A man in Saratoga Springs has been arrested on multiple charges after fleeing officers multiple times and engaging in a dangerous police chase through the city.

The Leadup

This incident began at 3:39 p.m. on Sunday, September 20th when Saratoga Springs Police officers were dispatched to Beer Universe, located at 16 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The call was about a man in the establishment who was in violation of a full stay away order of protection.

The man was in his car, and when questioned by officers, fled the scene. Officers attempted to locate the vehicle, but were unsuccessful.

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The Return

At around 6 p.m. that same night, officers were once again dispatched to Beer Universe, as the man had returned and continued breaking the order of protection. He, once again, fled the scene in his vehicle, but this time, crashed at Route 50 and Northline Road. He was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

The man was identified as 35-year-old Warren, New Hampshire resident Robert A. Richards Jr. The crash didn't stop Richards, who simply tried fleeing again from the crash site, but was unable to after the vehicle had lost a tire.

He refused to leave his vehicle until officers were able to get in contact with him over the phone. After a 15 minute conversation, he agreed to leave the vehicle and surrender himself.

Richards now faces ten charges and was remanded to Saratoga County Jail.

The charges are as follows:

• Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree – Class D Felony
• Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree (2 counts) – Class A Misdemeanor
• Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree – Class A Misdemeanor
• Reckless Driving - Misdemeanor
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device – Infraction
• Moved From Lane Unsafely (2 counts) – Infraction
• Unlicensed Driver – Infraction
• Unsafe Turn or Failure to Give Appropriate Signal – Infraction
• Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent (2 counts) – Infraction
• Driving Wrong Direction on One Way Street – Infraction