DRYDEN, NY (CortacaToday) — A wanted man from Groton is accused of leading deputies on a brief pursuit on Wednesday morning into Cortland County before losing control of the vehicle.

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office says 35-year-old Joshua Conklin was spotted leaving the Dryden Hotel shortly after 8:30 on Wednesday morning and refused deputies’ orders to pull over. That’s when the pursuit began; deputies followed Conklin onto Dutcher Road, which was closed for construction.

After narrowly avoiding crashing into construction vehicles and workers, deputies say Conklin fled on foot. According to authorities, the suspect tried stealing multiple vehicles on Fall Creek Road when he was finally arrested.

While being processed at the Sheriff’s office, Conklin allegedly tried escaping. He was initially charged with escape before a search warrant of Conklin’s vehicle on Friday uncovered about 16 ounces of meth, a ‘loaded and modified’ 12-gauge shotgun often called a ‘sawed-off’ shotgun, a full length 12-gauge shotgun, and ammunition.

Recovered meth (above) and shotguns (below) from Conklin’s car, according to the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office

New charges were filed against Conklin:

  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree – Class A-II Felony
    (Methamphetamine)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree – Class C Felony (modified shotgun)
  • Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree – Class D Felony (X3 counts)
  • Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree – Class E Felony (motor vehicles)
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree – Class A Misdemeanor (convicted felon in
    possession)
  • Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Universal Traffic Tickets (infractions and unclassified misdemeanors)

Additionally, Conklin was initially wanted on the following charges:

  • Grand Larceny Fourth Degree
  • Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Fourth Degree
  • Criminal Mischief Second Degree
  • Possession of Burglary Tools
  • Conspiracy Fifth Degree
  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Grand Larceny Third Degree
  • Possession of Stolen Property Third Degree

The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office says Conklin was arraigned Friday evening on the new charges.