Homer man arrested in connection with police chase

Jakob M. Mueller, 21, of Homer (Cortland County Sheriff's Office)

HOMER, N.Y. — A Cortland County man was arrested over the weekend nearly one week after he led authorities on a police chase through three counties.

Jakob M. Mueller, 21, of Homer, was arrested by state police Saturday afternoon after he was found walking on Warren Street in Tully. He was then turned over to the Cortland County Sheriff's Office. He faces charges of obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors; failure to comply with police; crossing hazardous markings; moving from lane unsafely; throwing refuse on a highway; speeding; and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, all violations.

Mueller also faces charges of first-degree criminal contempt, a felony; first-degree aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor; and second-degree criminal contempt, also a misdemeanor. Those charges stem from two separate domestic-related incidents in which Mueller spoke with a person who had an order of protection against him, according to the Homer Police Department. He also threatened to damage the person's property, police said.

Authorities attempted to arrest Mueller on New Year's Day by initiating a traffic stop on Route 41 in Scott, but as the officer approached the driver-side window, Mueller fled the scene. He continued south on Route 41 in the town of Homer before heading north on Route 41A and entering Cayuga County, where sheriff's deputies assisted the Cortland County Sheriff's Office in their apprehension efforts. The search was suspended due to road conditions and Mueller's erratic driving.

Deputies located Mueller and his vehicle later that evening in the village of Homer, but he once again successfully evaded authorities by driving into Madison County. His vehicle was found abandoned a short time later in the town of Lincklaen in Madison County. Authorities determined that Mueller struck a parked car on Crumb Hill Road in DeRuyter before abandoning his vehicle.

Mueller was arraigned in Homer Town Court on Saturday on the aforementioned charges and taken to Cortland County Jail on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.

He was scheduled to reappear in Homer Town Court today at 1 p.m.

Multiple charges are still pending in the Town of Scott, Cayuga County, and Madison
County, authorities said.