GPD: Stolen SUV crashes into patrol car, felony charges follow

GUILDERLAND — A Schenectady man driving a stolen SUV, police say, purposely crashed into a police patrol car on Monday before he and a passenger fled on foot.

A Tuesday release from the Guilderland Police said events unfolded this way:

Jonathan Swift, 37, was driving a white Ford Explorer on the Ring Road near Crossgates Mall when, at about 4:44 p.m., police noted the license late on the SUV indicated the vehicle was stolen.

“Officers initiated a traffic stop, but as they attempted to approach the vehicle, the driver placed the vehicle in drive and deliberately accelerated toward one of the officers,” the release said. “The suspect’s vehicle then collided with a police patrol vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles.”

When the SUV could no longer drive, Swift and his passenger fled on foot, not getting too far before they were apprehended.

No one was injured in the crash, according to Kristopher Scarano, public information officer for the Guilderland Police. 

A Department of Motor Vehicles search showed the sport utility vehicle was stolen from Schenectady.

Swift was charged with four felonies — third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree criminal mischief, attempted assault upon an officer, and second-degree forgery — and two misdemeanors: resisting arrest and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration.

The passenger, Aleshia Keener, 38, also of Schenectady, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a felony, and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor.

Both Swift and Keener were arraigned in Guilderland Town Court on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Swift was remanded to Albany County’s jail, while Keener was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court at a later date.

Scarano said on Tuesday no further information on the case was available.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

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