Cops: Driver fleeing stop gets arrested

A manhunt for a driver who fled a traffic stop late Wednesday night in Patchogue, sparking a police search that included a helicopter and a canine team, ended when cops found the man -- three hours later.

Brandon Wilson, 20, of 12 Virginia St., Centereach, was eventually apprehended early Thursday morning on Division Street, more than a mile from the scene of the original stop, Suffolk County police said.

He was charged with assault and two counts of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, both charges stemming from outstanding warrants, as well as with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon -- that, after officers saw Wilson toss a knife as he fled, police said.

The initial traffic stop was conducted by Fifth Precinct COPE officers, who police said stopped Wilson at 10:40 p.m. on Sunrise Highway in front of the Shore Motor Inn.

But Wilson ran, sparking the search. Police said the search teams finally found Wilson at 1:37 a.m. and said he was arrested without further incident.

Wilson is scheduled for arraignment Thursday in First District Court in Central Islip.