Larceny suspects lead police on a pursuit that ended at a busy park in the Town of Bethlehem. 

Bethlehem Police were called to the Walmart at 311 Route 9W in Glenmont around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, for a report of a larceny in progress. 

The suspect's vehicle was observed exiting the parking lot when the first arriving officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. 

According to a report from Bethlehem Police, the blue Ford Escape fled from the officer at a high rate of speed southbound on 9W, continuing westbound on Feura Bush Rd. 

Officers remained in pursuit of the vehicle when the suspects chose to drive down an embankment and onto the soccer fields at the Elm Avenue Park while the soccer fields were in use. 

“The occupants of the vehicle exited the car and fled on foot into the wooded area surrounding the park,” police said. 

Following a search of the wooded area, with the additional assistance from Albany County Sheriff’s and New York State Police with their K9’s to search for evidence, all three occupants of the vehicle were found and taken into custody. 

Some community members voiced their concerns about the pursuit that ended in the occupied soccer fields, leading to an additional statement being released from Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara. 

“I understand your concerns that pursuits often seem to stem from what appear to be minor offenses, but it is important to note that flight from law enforcement is, in itself, a crime. In our experience as law enforcement officials, individuals who flee often have underlying motives, such as outstanding warrants, weapons violations, or involvement in other criminal activity that only come to light after apprehension,” Cocchiara added. “I believe that unilaterally halting all pursuits would send a dangerous message that fleeing from the police has no consequence, which undermines accountability and encourages further disregard for the law, leading to a direct and dangerous impact on the safety of our community. 

She added that vehicle pursuits have policies and protocols in place and certain decisions are often being made in real-time scenarios with dynamic circumstances. 

“I want to assure you all that public safety is our department’s top priority. Nothing is more important than keeping you all safe,” She said. “Our current policy reflects a careful balance between that priority and the need to maintain order and enforce the law effectively.” 

The suspects and charges in this case are as follows:

(1) April A. Mahoney, age 49 of Troy, NY (Driver): Reckless Endangerment 1st (D Felony), Criminal Mischief 3rd (E Felony), Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd  (A Misdemeanor),  Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor), Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor), Reckless Endangerment 2nd (A Misdemeanor), Petit Larceny (A Misdemeanor), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 3rd (U Misdemeanor), Reckless Driving (U Misdemeanor), Conspiracy 6th (B Misdemeanor), and numerous other Vehicle and Traffic Law charges.

(2) Roger K. Chapman, age 36 of Albany, NY: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th (D Felony) – possessed MDMA (Ecstasy), Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor), Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor), and Conspiracy 6th (B Misdemeanor).

(3) Jessica L. Perry, age 41 of Albany, NY: Resisting Arrest (A Misdemeanor), Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd (A Misdemeanor), and Conspiracy 6th (B Misdemeanor).

All three individuals were arraigned in the Town of Bethlehem Court. Mahoney and Chapman were remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility and Perry was released under supervision of Albany County Probation Department, according to Bethlehem Police. 

“During the investigation, there was evidence of additional larcenies that occurred at multiple other business establishments throughout the Town of Bethlehem,” Bethlehem Police said. “Further investigation into this may result in additional charges. Perry and Mahoney also had additional open cases and warrants in other jurisdictions.” 

Chief Cocchiara says each pursuit is guided by their policies, risk to the safety of the public and the need to apprehend individuals who choose to flee from members of law enforcement. 

“The Town of Bethlehem Police Department values the input of our community members and takes your concerns seriously,” Cocchiara said. “We remain committed to working together to keep Bethlehem safe and continue to build trust in the community we proudly serve.”