High-speed chase leads to drug arrest

Three occupants of a stolen Infiniti led Nassau police on a high-speed chase in Lido Beach Saturday night, weaving in and out of traffic until they had to stop at an open drawbridge, police said. Police said they found oxycodone in the car's console, and marijuana and cocaine in an open bag.

Fourth Squad detectives said driver Tariq Qazi, 25, of Elmhurst, Queens, accelerated to more than 100 miles per hour after police tried to make a traffic stop in Lido Beach late Saturday night. Qazi sped east on Lido Boulevard, then ran a red light on Loop Parkway north, weaving in and out of traffic stopped for the bridge before crossing the median into the southbound lane.

When Qazi stopped at the open bridge, police said, they found the drugs in the car and determined that the car had been reported stolen in Maryland.

Qazi was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of stolen property, driving while impaired, reckless driving, and 19 vehicle and traffic violations.

Malissa Chester, 22, of Jamaica, and Maher Fadl, 22, of Middle Village, both in Queens, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Qazi was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Sunday. Arraignment was pending for Chester and Fadl.