Bethlehem police chief issues statement on Glenmont pursuit

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Police officers engaged an SUV in a high-speed chase in Glenmont on Tuesday night during a theft investigation, resulting in three arrests. Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara issued an extensive statement on Thursday regarding the incident in order to address any community concerns about the department’s pursuit protocols.

The chase on September 16, which stemmed from a police response for an active larceny at the Walmart on Route 9W, carried onto Feura Bush Road and into the soccer fields at Elm Avenue Park. The three occupants of the SUV, April Mahoney, Roger Chapman, and Jessica Perry, were all taken into custody, but despite no one being injured, the incident caused alarm for those present at the soccer fields at the time, which included 20 to 25 children.

“Police pursuits present a complex dilemma for law enforcement agencies as there are associated risks to public safety whenever they are initiated. The decision to pursue a fleeing vehicle is never taken lightly,” Chief Cocchiara stated. “Each pursuit is guided by established policies and protocols that weigh the severity of the offense, the risk to public safety, and the overall need to apprehend individuals who choose to flee law enforcement. These decisions are made in real-time, under dynamic and often rapidly evolving circumstances.”

Kim Sparkman, a mother of one of the children playing at the park, told NEWS10’s James De La Fuente on Wednesday that “It was definitely a moment of fear, because we know this area. These are the fields that we play on all the time.”

“It’s crazy,” another parent stated. “I am so happy that everyone’s okay.”

“I understand your (the public’s) concerns that pursuits often seem to stem from what appear to be minor offenses, but it is important to note that flight from law enforcement is, in itself, a crime,” Chief Cocchiara said. “In our experience as law enforcement officials, individuals who flee often have underlying motives, such as outstanding warrants, weapons violations, or involvement in other criminal activity that only come to light after apprehension. I believe that unilaterally halting all pursuits would send a dangerous message that fleeing from the police has no consequence, which undermines accountability and encourages further disregard for the law, leading to a direct and dangerous impact on the safety of our community.”

“I want to assure you all that public safety is our department’s top priority,” Cocchiara continued. “Nothing is more important than keeping you all safe. Our current policy reflects a careful balance between that priority and the need to maintain order and enforce the law effectively. The Town of Bethlehem Police Department values the input of our community members and takes your concerns seriously. We remain committed to working together to keep Bethlehem safe and continue to build trust in the community we proudly serve.”

Mahoney, Chapman, and Perry are all expected to appear at the Town of Bethlehem Court on October 21. Mahoney and Chapman were held at the Albany County Jail ahead of further proceedings, while Perry was released under probational supervision.