Utica, NY – A routine theft escalated into a significant police incident at a local Walmart in Utica. On July 22nd, at approximately 9:00 AM, Utica Police were called to investigate a possible robbery.
Loss Prevention Associates at Walmart reported encountering a female who was concealing items. When she passed all points of purchase without paying, they confronted her. During the confrontation, the woman began to throw the stolen items back into the store and proceeded to walk to the parking lot. As Loss Prevention personnel followed her, she brandished a box cutter and threatened the employees. They then called the police, providing a description of the vehicle she was leaving in.
Officers located the suspect vehicle on N. Genesee St and attempted a vehicle stop. The female suspect, operating the vehicle, failed to comply and led officers on a short pursuit before ultimately pulling over.
The suspect, identified as Melissa Henderson-Patterson, 40, of Utica, was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department. She has been charged with robbery in the first degree, endangering the welfare of a child, and multiple violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
This incident remains under investigation, and further details will be shared as they become available.
