Driver in custody after reportedly running away from police during a traffic stop in Corfu

A man who allegedly fled during a traffic stop in the Village of Corfu this afternoon is in police custody.

Corfu Police Officer Michael Petritz pulled over a Chevy Suburban with Washington plates about 3 this afternoon at the gas station parking lot at routes 77 and 33.

While Petritz wrote a ticket, the operator of the vehicle allegedly fled the scene and ran east, leading police on a short foot chase behind a row of buildings next to the gas station.

The State Police and the Genesee County Sheriff's Department also responded.

Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 Destro were disptached to the scene and the suspect was discovered about 3:40 p.m. hiding in a stairwell of a vacant commercial building just to the east of the intersection.

Erion says he was found holding a a wooden stick with nails. The suspect was told to drop his weapon and he complied. He was taken into custody without further incident.

According to Deputy Erion,  the Pembroke Intermediate School was told to shelter in place at 3 o'clock. The children were allowed to leave the school at 3:50 p.m. when the suspect was taken into custody.

The driver is facing charges for allegedly entering the vacant building, and vehicle and traffic violations.