NEW HARTFORD, NY — A New York Mills man was arrested Friday after allegedly fleeing a Target store and being found in possession of stolen merchandise and methamphetamine.
New Hartford Police officers responded to the Target at Sangertown Square at approximately 2 p.m. for a reported theft.
Store loss prevention officers reported the suspect was fleeing in a motor vehicle last seen on Commercial Drive.
The Oneida County 911 Center dispatchers broadcast a be-on-the-lookout alert to responding officers.
An officer located a vehicle matching the description behind the Hannaford’s store on the opposite side of Commercial Drive.
The operator appeared to be trying to conceal the vehicle and himself, police said.
Police confirmed the operator was the suspect from the Target theft.
The suspect was identified as David Brand, 43, of New York Mills.
Police found stolen merchandise from Target and other businesses, as well as a quantity of crystal methamphetamine in Brand’s possession.
Brand was charged with petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, also a class A misdemeanor.
Brand’s vehicle was impounded.
He was transported to the New Hartford Police Department, where he was processed and issued an appearance ticket.
Brand will answer the charges in New Hartford Town Court at a later date.
