Rochester, NY (November 19, 2025) – A police pursuit that began in Irondequoit ended in Rochester Wednesday evening when two suspects fleeing a retail theft crashed into a tree near Lake Avenue and Harding Road, according to Irondequoit Police.
Officers responded to the Marshalls store on East Ridge Road around 5:45 p.m. for a larceny in progress. Investigators say the suspects and their vehicle were already well known to police and to store loss prevention due to multiple recent thefts.
The suspects fled in a vehicle, refusing to stop as the pursuit traveled through Irondequoit, including Route 590. Multiple attempts to deploy spike strips were unsuccessful. The chase crossed the O’Rourke Bridge into Rochester, where the vehicle crashed into a tree roughly ten minutes after the pursuit began.
Police identified the suspects as Austin Scaife, 45, charged with petit larceny (with the potential for upgraded charges), and Juanita R. Monahan, 56, charged with unlawful fleeing, unlicensed operation, and several traffic violations. Additional charges related to earlier thefts are expected.
Neither suspect was seriously injured in the crash, though Scaife reported chest pain after attempting to run from the scene. Multiple agencies assisted in the pursuit and response.
The investigation is ongoing.
Crashes During Police Pursuits
Collisions caused during police pursuits can leave victims with property damage, physical injuries, and complex liability questions. When a fleeing driver causes a crash, New York law may allow victims to pursue compensation from the at-fault party and, in some cases, explore municipal liability depending on pursuit protocols and circumstances.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, our NY vehicle accident lawyer assists victims impacted by crashes involving fleeing drivers by examining liability, handling insurance claims, and working to secure full compensation for injuries and losses. Call us at 888-997-3889 for a free consultation.
