Two arrested after car chase, allegedly striking police vehicle, stealing from Tops

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Niagara Falls man is facing a slew of charges after allegedly striking a police vehicle and leading police officers on a car chase Thursday morning after attempting to shoplift over $1,000 worth of merchandise from Tops Friendly Markets.

According to Orchard Park Police, Jacob Bell, 67, attempted to steal a shopping cart full of steaks, crabs, and beer valued at over $1,100 from the Tops on Southwestern Blvd. Officials said that Bell abandoned the grocery cart after being approached by a store employee and entered a waiting vehicle occupied by 32-year-old Sierra Ballard of Cheektowaga.

Bell then allegedly fled and attempted to lose pursuing officers, crashing into a marked patrol vehicle and driving across a lawn to leave the scene of the crash.

Three officers located the vehicle on Route 219. Bell lost control of his vehicle north of the Berg Road overpass after fleeing another traffic stop, police said. He allegedly struck a guardrail and attempted to flee again but the vehicle was stuck. Bell was forcibly removed from the vehicle after refusing to exit, police said, and taken into custody. Ballard was cooperative.

Bell was charged with the following:

• DWI drugs

• Fourth-degree grand larceny

• Unlawful fleeing

• Reckless driving

• Leaving the scene of a crash

• Fourth-degree criminal mischief

• Obstruction of governmental administration

• Resisting arrest

• Numerous vehicle and traffic violations

Ballard has been charged with conspiracy in the sixth degree.

Bell is being held for arraignment while Ballard was released on an appearance ticket.

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Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.

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