Man faces drug charges after chase with children in car in Southold, cops say

A man who had two children in his car led police on a high-speed chase early Saturday and was arrested after he crashed into a farm field in Southold, police said.

Southold Town police said Victor Perez, 22, of Southold shut off his lights and sped through a red light on New Suffolk Avenue about 12:45 a.m. when police began to follow him. He ran through stop signs and made erratic turns, going 90 mph until he crashed into the field at New Suffolk and Locust avenues, police said.

Perez ran from the car and was arrested, police said. Marijuana was found in his car along with the two minors, police said.

Perez was charged with misdemeanor unlawful fleeing a police officer, reckless driving, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of marijuana. He had been scheduled to be arraigned Saturday morning.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.