BALDWIN — A Mastic Beach woman was arrested Tuesday after police say she stole a vehicle from a convenience store parking lot and led officers on a high-speed chase through multiple Nassau County communities.
Police said Jiyell T. Jones, 27, faces charges including grand larceny third degree, assault second degree, criminal possession of stolen property third degree, reckless endangerment second degree, unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle third degree, and several traffic infractions.
The incident began at 5:03 a.m. Tuesday when a 61-year-old man reported his 2015 blue Dodge Caravan was taken without permission from the parking lot of the 7-11 at 2350 Grand Avenue in Baldwin.
According to detectives, the victim left his vehicle running with the keys inside, when a woman entered the driver’s side door and drove away.
First Precinct officers arrived on scene, and a description of the stolen vehicle was broadcast.
Shortly after, Freeport Police saw the vehicle traveling on Sunrise Highway in Freeport.
Marked patrol units from Nassau County Police and Freeport Police canvassed the area and observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through the Village of Freeport, Baldwin and Oceanside.
During the chase, Jones struck a fence, a light pole and an occupied Freeport Police Department vehicle, according to authorities.
Police said Jones continued driving and eventually went southbound onto the Meadowbrook State Parkway, where she lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle became disabled and caught fire in the marshland, police said.
While taking Jones into custody, a Freeport Police officer fell into a ditch and injured his right knee.
Authorities said Jones was transported to the First Precinct for arrest processing.
