Phoenix (WSYR-TV) – An Onondaga County man suspected in numerous scams has been caught in the village of Phoenix after a brief chase.
Christopher Vanetten, who has served state prison time after being convicted on fraud and larceny charges, is suspected in multiple scams in Central New York.
He was wanted by Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies on a bench warrant for fraud, as well as by State Police for grand larceny.
State Police tried to pull over Vanetten’s Pontiac Grand Am on County Route 12 in the Oswego County town of Schroeppel on Friday night when they noticed its registration was suspended. The Kirkville man declined to pull over, however, and led troopers on a chase into the village of Phoenix.
The 37-year-old suspect left his car on Barnes Street and police briefly pursued him on foot before catching him.
They charged Vanetten, of 1252 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Kirkville, with unlawfully fleeing a police officer in the third degree and numerous traffic violations.
He was taken to Oswego County Jail on no bail.
Police also arrested 39-year-old Christina Pontello, of 7135 Lake Shore Rd., Cicero, during the incident. According to police, Pontello was a passenger in the Pontiac Grand Am during the chase and she drove off after Vanetten escaped from the car in Phoenix.
She was later arrested in Baldwinsville and charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree. She was issued a ticket to appear in Village of Phoenix Court.
