LOCKPORT — Two people were arrested following a shoplifting incident at a Tops supermarket on South Transit Road at 10:15 p.m. March 6.
Kenneth Edmister, 38, of Gasport, was charged with criminal contempt in the first degree, petit larceny, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.
Valerie S. Buscaglia, 44, of Lockport, was arrested for resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.
Troopers from the State Police Lockport barracks responded to the store to assist the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office with a shoplifting complaint.
While on scene, a Tops employee informed troopers of another larceny in progress.
Troopers identified a suspect and pursued him on foot along the side of the building.
The suspect, later identified as Edmister, entered a 2015 U-Haul truck.
When troopers attempted to remove Edmister from the vehicle, he put the truck in reverse and sped across the parking lot before striking a fence.
Troopers and deputies tried to remove both Edmister and his passenger, Buscaglia, but they did not cooperate.
Both suspects were eventually taken into custody.
After processing at SP Lockport, Buscaglia was released on an appearance ticket while Edmister was transported to Niagara County Jail for arraignment.
Authorities noted that Edmister had a full stay-away order of protection regarding Buscaglia.
