Woman Crashes Car In New Hartford Following Incident At Sears

A Utica woman is facing numerous charges after allegedly crashing her car in front of the Men's Warehouse Plaza on Commercial Drive.

New Hartford Police say 20-year old Valentina Kovalets had been involved in a shoplifting incident at Sears in the Sangertown Mall prior to the crash.

Police say after being confronted by a Sear's loss prevention officer in the parking lot, Kovalets drove away at a high rate of speed, striking the officer's arm in the process.

She also collided with a vehicle on Commercial Drive before crashing her car.

Kovaltes was charged with robbery, assault and reckless endangerment.

She was also issued several traffic tickets.