U-Haul Escape Attempt Leads to Arrests at Grocery Store in Niagara County

A shoplifting incident at a grocery store escalated into a dramatic chase resulting in two arrests by New York State Police. The events unfolded around 10:15pm on Thursday at a Tops Friendly Market located on South Transit Road in Lockport.

Upon arrival, police were informed by a store employee that another theft was occurring on the premises. Officers quickly identified the suspect, 38-year-old Kenneth Edmister from Gasport, who fled on foot alongside the building. He then jumped into a 2015 U-Haul truck.

According to state police, when troopers attempted to apprehend Edmister he reversed the vehicle and sped across the parking lot, ultimately crashing into a fence. Both Edmister and his passenger, 44-year-old Valerie S. Buscaglia of Lockport, refused to exit the U-Haul and were subsequently arrested.

Edmister faces multiple charges including criminal contempt, petit larceny, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. Buscaglia has been charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.

Following their arrests, both individuals were taken to the state police headquarters in Lockport for processing. Edmister was remanded to Niagara County Jail for arraignment while Buscaglia was released with an appearance ticket.

U-Haul Escape Attempt Leads to Arrests at Grocery Store