Report: Durham Man Sped Away From Cops Over Broken Tail Lights

A Durham man who tried speeding away from cops earlier this month is facing several motor vehicle violations, according to Middletown Police.

Philip Woods, 38, of 102 Madison Drive, was cited by police for failure to carry minimum insurance and traveling unreasonably fast on Feb. 7.

At approximately 10:24 p.m., according to a report, an officer on routine patrol along East Street in Middletown observed Woods operating a Ford Ranger with two broken tail lights, a missing rear window and loud exhaust.

Woods had previously been issued a warning to make the repairs, the report says, and when the officer pulled behind the vehicle Woods "accelerated at a high rate of speed."

The report says Woods reached speeds of 70 mph along Ballfall Road, more than twice the posted 30 mph speed limit.

When the officer attempted to stop Woods at the intersection of Ballfall Road and Meriden Road, he turned west onto the highway before turning south onto Peters Lane in Middlefield, the report says, where he eventually pulled over.

When Woods was asked why the repairs had not been made, the report says he replied that he did not have a job and could not afford it. He also told the officer that he never had a job and that his mother supports him.

Woods' truck was towed from the scene, according to the report.

In addition to the violations, Woods was written a warning for improper color of marker lights and failure to have tail lights. He's due in court Feb. 21.