Tompkins County Residents Found With Stolen Car in Broome

Three Tompkins County residents are facing charges in Broome County after officials say they responded to a report of a vehicle being driven erratically, including attempting to enter the wrong way onto Interstate 81 South at exit five in the Town of Dickinson.

Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to stop the car shortly after 2 a.m. October 12 as the vehicle turned onto Broad Avenue and then onto Grant Street where 21 year old Zachary Battenfield of Groton reportedly jumped out of the moving car.  He was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Officials say they found the 2012 Mazda had been reported stolen over the weekend from a home in Tompkins County.

Battenfield is charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property, failure to dim headlights, driving without a license, failure to comply to officers’ orders, failing to stop at a stop sign and failure to signal a turn.

Passengers, 19 year old Osric Bush of Groton and 20 year old Devon Jenkins of Ithaca are both charged with felony criminal possession of stolen property.

All were sent to the Broome County Jail without bail to await further court action.