Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Repeat Offender
On June 21st, 2026, at 4:42 p.m., a Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy received a License Plate Reader (LPR) activation for a stolen 2019 Hyundai Tucson as the vehicle traveled north on Lake Avenue, near Latta Road, in the City of Rochester.
After confirming the vehicle was stolen in Rochester, the deputy attempted a traffic stop by activating the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights. Rather than comply, the driver accelerated away, initiating a pursuit.
Throughout the pursuit, deputies continually assessed the fleeing driver’s conduct, traffic conditions, and the risk to the public. The driver ultimately left the roadway, entered the Lakeshore Country Club golf course, drove across a large portion of the property, and caused damage to the course. The driver then jumped from the moving vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
The driver led deputies on a foot chase before they took him into custody without injury to any members of the public or our deputies.
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Third Degree (Class D-Felony)
- Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class E-Felony) – Damage to Golf Course
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)
- Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (Class A-Misdemeanor)
- Reckless Driving (Unclassified Misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Class A-Misdemeanor)
- Fifteen traffic citations related to the pursuit
Granito-Hertz is a repeat offender who has been involved in multiple stolen vehicles and pursuits.
“This incident is another example of how one repeat offender’s decisions can place innocent members of our community at risk,” states Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “Those who choose to steal vehicles and then endanger our community should know that we will hold them accountable and work every day to keep our community safe.”
Deputies processed Granito-Hertz at MCSO B-Zone before he was transported to Monroe County CAP court for arraignment. Following arraignment, a Monroe County Court Judge remanded Granito-Hertz to Monroe County where he is being held in lieu of $5,000 cash bail.
Deputy David Marcucci
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840