New York Man Leads Police on Slow-Speed Chase in Getaway Tractor

Yesterday, October 4, 2021, a man in Chautauqua County tried to escape from Sheriff's deputies on a tractor. Apparently, 36-year-old Justin Horton, wasn't fully aware that most tractors can only reach top speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour,

The average speed of most modern tractors is 25mph when driven at top speed. You can get a 'high speed' transport option from manufacturers which augments the maximum speed to 30 or 31mph. This requires the addition of extra parts like special tractor suspension and brakes to hold whatever is being hauled behind.

It's not exactly the right getaway vehicle for a high-speed getaway. Horton is accused of throwing a rock at a home on Route 380 in Stockton, damaging a window. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 5:40 pm after receiving a call about a disorderly person. Horton was apprehended by deputies, which I"m sure was pretty easy, given that he was on a tractor. He was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration.

Meanwhile, Chautauqua County made the top 10 list of counties in New York with the highest poverty rates. Dunkirk and Jamestown are notable cities within the county. There are 19,896 residents, of all ages, in Chautauqua County who are living in poverty.   The poverty rate is 16.3 percent. The Median Household Income is $46,820.

Today, the manufacturing sector provides the base for the county's economy with important and growing contributions from the retail, service, and tourism sectors. Farming continues to contribute to the county's economy, as well as the associated food processing industry. ~ New York City

You can see what other counties made the list here.

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