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.

Matthews, 26, has a history of weapons convictions and is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement officials from the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and the Canandaigua Police Department are urging the public to provide any information that could lead to his whereabouts.

The initial incident unfolded when officers conducting surveillance on Bristol Street attempted to take Matthews into custody as part of an ongoing drug investigation. He allegedly rammed an unmarked police vehicle and led officers on a dangerous pursuit, at times driving on sidewalks and fleeing onto rural roads near Farmington. To avoid endangering the public, law enforcement chose to end the chase.

In addition to the latest bail jumping charge, Matthews has an outstanding Ontario County bench warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, both felony offenses. Authorities have indicated that additional felony drug charges will be filed once he is apprehended.

The suspect was last seen driving a black 2016 BMW X5 with New York State license plate KSR 9946. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information on Matthews' location to contact the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office at (585) 394-4560.

Authorities continue to stress that Matthews should not be approached by the public. Anyone who sees him should immediately report his location to law enforcement.