A Shoplifting Incident In WNY Leads To A High-Speed Police Chase

Four shoplifting suspects led police on a high-speed chase in Niagara County. What began as most likely a misdemeanor crime quickly turned into a felonious and dangerous situation.

According to Saland Law PC,

The most common criminal charge for shoplifting in New York is Petit Larceny, PL 155.25, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail. In certain circumstances, such as when the value of the stolen goods exceeds $1,000, a person can be charged with a felony such as Grand Larceny which is punishable by time in state prison.

Three men and a woman were arrested and taken into custody after leading police on a high-speed chase. The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, August 2, 2022. WIVB is reporting that the four fled after an alleged shoplifting incident in Niagara County according to the Niagara County County Sheriff’s office.

The chase started in Lockport and ended east of Medina, in Orleans County. Police used spike strips to stop the vehicle. The vehicle ended up in an alfalfa field. Two of the suspects ran away from the police on foot.

The chase involved multiple police departments, including units from:

- Albion Police
- Medina Police
- Middleport Police
- New York State Police
- Niagara County Sheriff’s Office
- Orleans County Sheriff’s Office
- Niagara County Sheriff’s Office helicopter

It seems like the suspects freaked out, probably because they knew they had warrants and made a bad situation worse. They not only risked their own lives, but they also put unsuspecting drivers in harm's way by fleeing from the police. No details were provided about the nature of what they allegedly stole.