Ithaca Man Collides Head-On with Police Chief, Flees

Ithaca Police are searching for an Ithaca man who allegedly crashed head-on into an unmarked department vehicle driven by the department’s chief. Chief John Barber was traveling east on West Clinton Street when he was struck head-on by a car driven by 23-year-old Christopher Rundt. Police say Rundt turned into Barber’s lane near South Plain Street. Rundt apologized to Barber following the incident, and when Barber went to call 911, Rundt and his passenger allegedly fled the scene on foot. Officers found an opened bottle of rum in the front seat of Rundt’s car, and witnesses say Rundt appeared to be intoxicated. Criminal charges are pending for Rundt, who is already on parole. Barber was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and appear to be a total loss.