CHAMPLAIN, NY — A Vermont woman faces multiple charges after state police say she stole a vehicle and was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 87.
The New York State Police responded to TJ Maxx – Consumer Square in the town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County, at approximately 5:53 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2026, for a report of a stolen vehicle.
An investigation determined that a 2009 Toyota Camry had been stolen from the parking lot.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle was subsequently involved in a hit-and-run collision on Interstate 87 northbound in the town of Champlain.
The preliminary investigation determined that the operator of the stolen 2009 Toyota Camry was traveling northbound on Interstate 87 at a high rate of speed in the left lane when she failed to maintain her lane and sideswiped a 2024 Ford traveling northbound in the right lane.
The operator continued northbound without stopping.
Troopers later located the stolen Toyota Camry parked on the southern shoulder of Interstate 87, east of Hanford Road, in the town of Champlain.
The operator was identified as Sunshine M. Gagnon, 42, of Highgate.
Gagnon was taken into custody.
While speaking with her, troopers observed signs of impairment.
She was transported to SP Champlain for further evaluation.
Troopers administered standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed.
Gagnon refused to provide a breath sample to determine her blood alcohol content.
Gagnon was charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 4th Degree, Driving While Intoxicated (with two previous convictions), and multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations.
She was issued appearance tickets and released, returnable to the Town of Champlain Court at a later date in March.
