Two Tonawanda police cruisers hit

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A drunk driver, driving on a suspended license faces numerous charges Tuesday after he led a police chase through the Town of Tonawanda.

Around 1:20 a.m. this morning, 55-year-old Jacob Bell sped past a police officer on a traffic stop, going 19 mph over the speed limit.

Captain Michael Rogers from the City of Tonawanda Police said, “To be passing by a police officer that has all its lights implemented at 49 in 30 seconds sends a message that something’s going on.”

The officer called for backup and began chasing after Bell throughout the town.

Witness to the chase was Shane Baker who said, “It was pretty surreal, it was like something you'd see in a TV show or a movie.” He was awakened by a bizarre revving engine noise just before 1:30 a.m.

“The noise got louder… I looked out the window and saw the police converge on this car over here thankfully stopped him, crashed into him and the police thankfully protected us,” said Baker.

Police stopped Bell telling him to turn the car off and get out of the vehicle. He failed to listen to the officer’s order and sped away.

He drove through several front yards, hitting trees and signs, causing extensive damage to his SUV.

Eventually, Bell slammed head on into a police cruiser, causing extensive damage, before the car chase ended.

Once he finally stopped in the front lawn of a Zimmerman Blvd home, he took off once again but this time by foot.

Bell jumped over fences through backyards and was ultimately found hiding in bushes.

He is facing a number of charges from both the City of Tonawanda and the Town of Tonawanda, including DWI and assault charges.

Bell is being arraigned in City of Tonawanda court Tuesday afternoon.