NEW HARTFORD, NY — A traffic stop escalated into a physical altercation Tuesday evening when a driver struck a police officer and resisted arrest.
New Hartford Police initiated a traffic stop on State Route 12 at approximately 8:18 p.m. on March 17, 2026, after observing a vehicle operating with a suspended registration.
The driver, Amira Zukanovic, 47, of Utica, refused multiple orders to exit the vehicle and indicated she intended to flee, according to police.
Officers informed Zukanovic the vehicle could not be operated on public roadways due to a suspended registration and lack of insurance, requiring it to be towed.
As officers continued speaking with Zukanovic, she began attempting to flee the scene.
When an officer attempted to remove the key from the ignition, Zukanovic struck the officer in the face, police said.
Zukanovic became combative, pushing, thrashing and kicking at officers as they attempted to take her into custody.
Additional officers responded to assist in the arrest.
Zukanovic was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and released.
She was transported to the New Hartford Police Department for processing, then to Oneida County Jail for arraignment.
Zukanovic faces charges including obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, harassment in the second degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration, unregistered motor vehicle, unlicensed operation, failure to produce license or registration, insurance violations, failure to return plates, operating with suspended license or registration and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.
She is being held at Oneida County Jail.
The Utica Police Department assisted at the scene.
