Wanted Alleged Drug Dealer Considered Armed & Dangerous Evades Arrest With Pursuit
Law enforcement officials have cautioned that Matthews has a history of weapons convictions and should be considered armed and dangerous.
This article has been updated. The new article can be found at the bottom of this original article.
A police pursuit unfolded in Canandaigua on March 17 when law enforcement officers attempted to arrest a Rochester man during an ongoing drug investigation. The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and the Canandaigua Police Department were conducting surveillance on Bristol Street when they moved in to apprehend 26-year-old Jonathan J. Matthews.
According to authorities, Matthews attempted to flee by driving into an unmarked police vehicle before heading eastbound, at times driving on the sidewalk. Officers pursued him west on Bristol Street before the chase extended onto rural roads north toward Farmington. Law enforcement ultimately decided to end the pursuit to avoid potential risks to public safety.
Matthews has an outstanding Ontario County bench warrant for charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, both classified as felony offenses. Authorities stated that additional felony drug charges will be filed once he is taken into custody.
The vehicle used in the pursuit was identified as a black 2016 BMW X5 with New York State license plate KSR 9946. Law enforcement officials have cautioned that Matthews has a history of weapons convictions and should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and Canandaigua Police Department are requesting assistance from the public in locating Matthews. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office at (585) 394-4560.
Wanted Suspect in Canandaigua Drug Case Still at Large, Considered Armed and Dangerous
Authorities have confirmed that Jonathan J. Matthews, the Rochester man who evaded police during a high-speed pursuit on March 17, remains at large. An arrest warrant was officially issued by the Canandaigua City Court on March 25 for Matthews on a charge of bail jumping in the first degree, further escalating the urgency of his capture.