On Thursday, November 3rd, Officer’s from the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Dollar Tree at the Cortlandville Crossing on Route 13 in the Town of Cortlandville for an occupied vehicle that was possibly involved in a larceny at a store in the area.
Officer’s arriving to the area of the Dollar Tree observed the suspected vehicle leaving the area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to comply and fled from police.
The driver of the vehicle, later identified at 40 year old Quiana N. Thomas of East Syracuse, continued to drive recklessly on Route 281 heading north eluding police. Thomas then struck a vehicle on Route 281. She fled the scene of the crash and continued North heading towards the Town of Homer.
The Homer Police Department, alerted of the reckless driver, used a tire deflation device on the vehicle. The device proved successful with both front tires flattened.
Thomas continued to flee and continued from Route 281 to I81 North for several miles before eventually pulling over the vehicle.
Police found two occupants in the vehicle. The driver, Quiana N. Thomas, and the passenger 54 year old Shawnda T. Curtis of Syracuse. Continued investigation found the vehicle was stolen from Oneida on October 31st of this year.
Officer’s also found that both occupants in the vehicle had outstanding warrants for their arrest in different jurisdictions.
Quiana Thomas was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd, a Felony, Conspiracy in the 5th, Unlawful fleeing from a police officer 3rd, Aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, reckless driving, failed to comply, all Misdemeanors, leaving the scene of an accident, and passed red signal, both traffic infractions
Shawnda Curtis was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 3rd, a Felony, and Conspiracy in the 5th, a Misdemeanor.
Both were taken to the Cortland County Jail with no bail and are scheduled to appear in Cortlandville Town Court and Homer Town Court at a later date. Additional charges are still possible as the investigation is ongoing.
