Bike Thief Caught Just Steps From Police Investigator in New Hartford

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August 4, 2025

NEW HARTFORD, NY — Sometimes, timing is everything, and on Monday, August 4th, it worked in favor of one lucky young bike owner.

A New Hartford Police Investigator was at Cliff's Local Mart on Genesee Street, following up on an unrelated case, when a juvenile approached him in distress. The boy reported that a man had just stolen his bicycle and was pedaling away, completely unaware that a police investigator was standing just steps away.

Without hesitation, the investigator gave chase on foot, pursuing the suspect down Genesee Street toward French Road in Utica. Additional officers and a second investigator quickly joined the pursuit. The suspect was located in the parking lot of Chanatry’s Market, still in possession of the stolen bicycle.

Police recovered the bike and returned it to the grateful juvenile, likely saving the rest of his summer rides.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Kevin Warmack, was arrested and charged with one count of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.

Warmack was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charge in New Hartford Town Court.