WATERTOWN, NY — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office arrested two women on multiple felony charges after they failed to stop for a deputy.
At approximately 4:15 a.m. on April 21, a deputy identified a stolen 2026 Kia Niro in the McDonald’s parking lot on Arsenal Street.
Upon approaching the vehicle to confirm the license plate, the driver fled the parking lot at a high rate of speed, and the deputy followed with lights and siren activated.
The driver fled across multiple city streets until reaching Gaffney Drive.
Numerous other patrols had converged in the area to assist, and a deputy blocked Gaffney Drive with his patrol vehicle to stop the stolen car.
The operator drove around the patrol vehicle to escape and struck a second sheriff’s office patrol vehicle.
Both occupants were subsequently detained after the vehicle was boxed in.
A search of the vehicle revealed drugs, drug paraphernalia and contraband.
The operator, Alissa D. Newman, 24, of Watertown, was charged with DWAI drugs, a felony, criminal mischief in the third degree, an E felony, assault in the third degree, an A misdemeanor, reckless endangerment in the second degree, an A misdemeanor, and grand larceny in the third degree, an E felony.
Newman was also issued numerous traffic tickets.
The passenger was identified as Amanda M. Diaz, 43, of Watertown.
Both Newman and Diaz were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, an A-II felony, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a B felony, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a D felony, and criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, an A misdemeanor.
Newman and Diaz were arraigned in CAP Court at the Public Safety Building and both were held without bail.
They are scheduled to appear in City Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The Sheriff’s Office was also assisted by City of Watertown Police and the New York State Police.
