WURTSBORO – Police have arrested two men after a high speed chase on Route 17 eastbound Tuesday afternoon.

State Police at Liberty, in conjunction with Monticello Police, were conducting an investigation into a robbery that occurred on June 27 in the village.

Earnest Edwards, also known as Bama, 27, of Monticello, said to be a Bloods gang leader, was observed as a passenger in a car in the Rock Hill area driven by Tobias Brown, 25, of Monticello.

Troopers tried to stop the car, but Brown failed to comply and a chase ensued on Route 17 at speeds up to 75 miles per hour.

Two Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles assisted in the pursuit as it entered the Town of Mamakating.  During the course of the case, Brown’s vehicle struck both sheriffs’ units and he lost control, coming to rest in the middle lane near exit 113.

Brown was placed under arrest by sheriff’s deputies while Edwards fled down an earth embankment into a swamp. He was located and taken into custody.

Edwards was charged with the felonies of first-degree robbery and fourth-degree grand larceny, and resisting arrest.

Brown was charged with the felony of reckless endangerment in the first degree, the misdemeanor of fleeing a police officer in the third degree, and numerous vehicle and traffic charges.