Stan,
you seem to know your way around police aviation and I don't mean that sarcastically; do you have any reference of the law you point me to? Maybe in the
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: ?
Its just my personal interest, not some beef with the police department.
In the contrary, I taught a few state police guys how to fly - one is now a good friend of mine. I also know a couple of guys from the NYPD Aviation - even flew with one gentlemen.
If it turns out to be true, that in this case ATC asked for assistance, fair enough - but still, can local police (or even state police) pursue federal law? My understanding is, that the airspace is federal territory? You could argue an emergency resulting from the reckless endangerment, but who is liable if the subject crashes during the interception?
I stand to be corrected.
FWIW: If half the stories about the pilot in question are true, he certainly should be grounded I think.