Numerous Charges Filed Against Fugitive Captured in Tioga County

New York State Police say their investigation is continuing but numerous charges are being filed against a Cortland man who fled authorities through several Southern Tier Counties.

On April 9, 2021 at approximately 7:54 a.m., New York State Police took 32-year-old Matthew O. Perry into custody without further incident in the Town of Tioga.

According to a news release from Troop C, the search for Perry began the day before after Perry eluded police in jurisdictions within Cortland, Broome and Tioga Counties.

Perry is wanted for the felony of Criminal Contempt, in the City of Cortland and Aggravated Family Offense.

State Police issued an advisory for the public to be on the lookout for Perry who was described as "considered armed and dangerous."

NYSP provided photo Matthew O. Perry

He was spotted by law enforcement officers in Cortland County Thursday and a vehicle pursuit was initiated, traveling into Broome County where law enforcement from Broome County assisted before the chase was called off.

Perry was later spotted in his vehicle by a trooper in Tioga County but was able to get away.

It’s believed that Perry then hit an unoccupied vehicle in the village of Owego before ending up on a dead-end logging trail on Brooks Road in the Town of Barton. His vehicle caught on fire and he abandoned the vehicle. The vehicle fire started a brush fire and a vacant home also caught fire.

Neighbors noticed the smoke and called authorities.

Get our free mobile app

New York State Police say State Forest Rangers, Halsey Valley, Tioga Center, Nichols and Owego fire departments responded to the scene of the fire which was additionally monitored by New York State Police Aviation and a New York State Police drone. No other homes were in danger.

The long list of authorities involved in the search and apprehension of Perry included Troopers, members from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, SORT (Special Operations Response Team) and the Forensic Identification Unit (FIU), City of Cortland Police, Cortland County Sheriff’s Department, Broome County Sheriff’s Department, Broome County SWAT, Tioga County Sheriff’s Department, Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department SWAT and the Village of Owego Police Department.

NYSP photo

Throughout the night, law enforcement patrolled in the Barton and surrounding area searching for Perry.

On April 9, 2021, Tioga County 911 got a call about a possible sighting of Perry on Halseyville Road in the town of Tioga. He was taken into custody by New York State Police without further incident. He was sent to Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center for evaluation.

Perry is being charged by the State Police with the felony of Reckless Endangerment, other charges are pending.