Multi-Agency Proactive Stolen Vehicle Detail Leads to Arrest of Repeat Stolen Vehicle Offender

On May 27th, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the New York State Police in a proactive detail targeting stolen vehicles. During the eight-hour initiative, members of the detail conducted 61 traffic stops, issued 160 traffic citations, and completed the following significant arrests.

At 6:38 p.m., a deputy received a License Plate Reader (LPR) activation for a stolen Honda Civic in the area of Hudson Avenue and Clifford Avenue, in the City of Rochester. Law enforcement officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver, and only occupant, refused to comply and led officers on a pursuit. 

The pursuit ended when the driver crashed into a parked vehicle and a tree, and ran from the vehicle on foot. After a brief foot chase, deputies took the driver into custody.

Tony Johnson, 24, of Rochester, is charged with:

• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D-Felony)
• Twenty-one traffic citations in relation to the pursuit and subsequent crash

Following medical treatment at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Johnson was transported to Monroe County CAP court for arraignment. A Monroe County Court Judge remanded Johnson to Monroe County Jail, where he is being held on $3,000 cash bail. 

Starting in 2022, this arrest marks the fourth instance in which Johnson is in possession of a stolen vehicle. January 2026 also marks the second instance in which Johnson crashed after leading deputies on a pursuit. Johnson is currently on probation for this offense.

In addition, on this most recent detail, troopers recovered one illegal 9mm semi-automatic handgun in one arrest, and a combination of 93 grams of suspected crack-cocaine and 15 grams of fentanyl in another arrest. 

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts and will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to address the repetitive nature of these offenders, recover stolen property, identify those responsible, and hold individuals accountable, all to support our top priority of public safety.

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Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840