28-Year-Old Monticello Woman Accused of Stealing Jeep, Arrested for Felony!
MONTICELLO – A 28-year-old woman from Monticello was arrested on Monday after allegedly stealing a 2006 Jeep Cherokee from a gas station on Raceway Road, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, identified as Lindsay Houck, reportedly took the vehicle while it was left running at the Mobil gas station. The incident was witnessed by a bystander, who immediately reported the theft.
According to Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Houck’s actions quickly attracted attention when, just minutes after the theft, she drove the stolen vehicle onto the grounds of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office complex.
The vehicle proceeded to cross the lawn, striking a fire hydrant in the parking lot before leaving the area.
After fleeing the scene, Houck continued driving along Old Route 17. The chase came to an end when the vehicle suffered a blown tire near the Center for Discovery, a nonprofit organization located in the region.
Authorities arrested Houck and charged her with several felonies, including grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and driving while intoxicated (DWI).
In accordance with New York’s bail reform laws, Houck was released with an appearance ticket and is expected to face these charges in court at a later date.
Under the new bail reform measures, many non-violent offenders are no longer required to post bail and are instead issued tickets to appear in court.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader public debate over the state’s bail reform laws, which have faced criticism for allowing individuals accused of certain felony crimes to be released without bail.
However, supporters argue that the reforms prevent unnecessary pretrial detention for non-violent offenders.
Houck is scheduled to appear in court at a future date to address the charges.