Long Island man sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting at police during high-speed car chase.
A Long Island man has received a 20-year prison sentence following a dramatic shootout and car chase that captured the attention of authorities and the public alike. Brandon Scanlon, a 34-year-old resident of Middle Island, was convicted after a chaotic series of events that unfolded on April 4, 2024, when police attempted to execute a search warrant at a suspected drug stash house in Bohemia.
The situation escalated rapidly when Scanlon fled the scene in a minivan and collided with an officer as he attempted to evade capture. This sparked a high-speed pursuit that lasted approximately 25 minutes, during which Scanlon and law enforcement officers exchanged gunfire. Reports indicate that both Scanlon and a police officer sustained injuries in the incident.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office described a particularly reckless moment during the chase, detailing how Scanlon fired his weapon from the open window of his vehicle while simultaneously holding a lit cigarette. This unusual combination of events was captured on video, further illustrating the dangerous nature of the pursuit.
The chase ended in Bay Shore when Scanlon lost control of his vehicle, resulting in a crash. Subsequent investigations uncovered significant amounts of narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl, along with an illegal “ghost gun” in his vehicle. These findings linked Scanlon to a broader drug distribution network operating across Long Island.
Shortly after his arrest, Scanlon was implicated in a larger conspiracy, accused of being part of a group of 15 individuals involved in distributing drugs throughout Suffolk County. Initially facing severe charges, including attempted murder for actions taken during the chase, Scanlon could have faced up to 40 years to life in prison.
The 20-year sentence he received reflects a significant reduction from the original potential penalties, which highlights the complexities of legal proceedings in drug-related cases. This incident not only underscores the persistent issues of drug trafficking in the region but also raises questions about public safety and police engagement tactics. The case remains a focal point of ongoing discussion around law enforcement practices in high-stakes scenarios.
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