Sheriff's Deputy In Critical Condition After Stopping Shoplifter In Big Flats

[TTL News 308]

The Chemung County Sheriff's Department has released more information about an incident in Consumer Square Friday evening that left a Sheriff's Department Investigator hospitalized. 

 

On March 29th the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police conducted a joint retail theft operation in Consumer Square, in the Town of Big Flats, which was scheduled from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

 

Investigator Theetge

 

At about 6:45 pm, while pursuing a larceny suspect in the Target parking lot, the subject ran towards a getaway vehicle and jumped on the hood with Investigator Theetge in close pursuit tackling him on top of the hood. The driver accelerated the vehicle and then jerked the wheel causing Inv.estigator Theetge to be ejected from the vehicle hood falling on to his back still while holding suspect who landed on top of him, rendering him unresponsive.

 

As a result of the driver’s actions, Investigator Theetge sustained a skull fracture and brain bleed, he remains in critical condition at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. An "Officer Down" call was radioed at approximately 6:50 pm, which resulted in a multi-agency response.

 

The larceny suspect was taken into custody immediately. He was identified as 24 year old Dominick J. Haley of Ithaca. Haley was charged with two  counts of Assault in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Violent Felony, Resisting Arrest and Petit Larceny, both Class A Misdemeanors. He was arraigned in Big Flats Town Court and remanded to the Chemung County Jail in lieu of $100,000 cash / $200,000 property bond.

 

 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the many law enforcement agencies that responded to the scene and rendered assistance to Investigator  Theetge, as well as the New York State Police in particular who had agreed to conduct the criminal investigation on our behalf and we will continue to work closely with them in our pursuit to bring all individuals involved in this incident to justice.

 

As part of this ongoing investigation, law enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and advising law enforcement on the whereabouts of 24 year old Fatiuna A. Massaline who is believed to be in the Ithaca area. If you have any information please contact the NYSP at 585-398-4100.

 

 

Sheriff William Schrom says that all the men and women of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office continue to hold Investigator Theetge and his family in their thoughts and prayers.

Edited March 30 by Chris
Added a better photo of the POS

[KarenK 383]

Erin resident.  😞   Just a kid.  I hope they catch that girl.

[Chris 2,168]

She’s been caught. Sheriff William Schrom wrote the following on Facebook:

UPDATE

Fatiuna Massaline, driver of striking vehicle is in custody. I want to personally thank everyone who worked so hard today to track her down especially the members of our office, the New York State Police, and the Ithaca Police Department. Outstanding team work!!

[Chris 2,168]

UPDATE:

[Chris 2,168]

From Sheriff William Schrom:

 

Quote

 

UPDATE - Today marks 14 days since the incident that critically injured Investigator Mike Theetge. Over that period of time, Mike has been in a Trauma 1 ICU, a step-down ICU, a regular hospital room, and finally today on the road to a Rehab Center in Rochester, NY. He has made significant improvements in this short period of time, but still has a very long road to recovery ahead of him.

 

None of this improvement would have been possible without Mike’s own intestinal fortitude to fight hard for himself each day and having the loving support of his family and closest friends by his side every step of the way. Equally as important, has been the tremendous care Mike has received since this tragic incident occurred. This care has ranged from the Erway Ambulance attendants, the doctors and nurses of Guthrie Hospital in Corning, the medical flight team of Guthrie One, as well as the doctors and nurses at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA who treated him. Their compassion, care, and expertise toward Mike’s care has been second to none and they deserve every bit of recognition we can give them! A special thank you to the RPH security team for all their support each day that Mike had been there, but especially today in their assistance with helping coordinate his transfer and the impact that had on the hospital. A job well done!

 

The outpouring of support from Mike’s colleagues and the public for him and his family has been and continues to be absolutely incredible and overwhelming. The Undersheriff and I would like to acknowledge the men and women of our agency for everything they’ve done during this time to remain vigilant and supportive to their colleague and friend and his family, as well as to continue to serve our community at the same time.

 

A special thank you to our Criminal Investigation Division team led by Lt. Pete Ruhmel, Sgt. Jeremiah Ayers, and Investigator James Ritter who have worked hand-in-hand with Sr. Investigator Karl Appelbacher and Sr. Investigator Matt Lambert of the NYSP, and their whole team, to bring those responsible for Mike’s injuries to justice, as well as the Ithaca Police Department and all the other law enforcement agencies who assisted with that mission.

 

It is our hope that the next update you get from us is when Mike returns to work.

 

With much gratitude

Sheriff Bill Schrom

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KarenK 383]

Wow.