(09/24/07) MT. VERNON ? A simple fender-bender in Mt. Vernon turned into a police pursuit after the occupants of one vehicle allegedly fled the accident scene.

The initial accident took place outside the warehouse where the recount in the Mt. Vernon Democratic mayoral primary is taking place. News 12 Westchester crews were on the scene to cover that story and saw the entire situation unfold.

The incident began when a grey Taurus rear-ended another vehicle at a stoplight on South 6th Avenue. When the driver of the lead car got out to see what was going on, police say the Taurus took off.

An officer guarding the warehouse, who could not leave his post, radioed in the accident. Police then took part in a vehicle chase for a short time. The car chase ended when investigators say the two occupants of the Taurus got out and fled on foot.

The alleged passenger, 19-year-old Steven Rodriguez, of Mt. Vernon, was taken into custody. Police say he was in possession of two bags of marijuana and had an outstanding warrant from Yonkers.

Police are still searching for the driver.