Rochester auto shop cleaning up after theft led to police chase – 13WHAM-TV

James Baker, manager of Dewey Auto & Tire, had to work next to a smashed-out window following a break-in early Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (Photo by Cheyanne Walker/WHAM)

Rochester, N.Y. Surveillance video shows the moments thieves stole a car from Dewey Auto & Tire early Tuesday, with a van slamming in reverse into other cars in the lot.

Shop manager James Baker worked next to a shattered window Tuesday. He said that's how the thieves got in and stole keys before taking the van.

"They tried to get into our front door," Baker said. "It has a security tinted film on it, and they couldnt get through there and quit and then they came into the other side window here and just reached in and grabbed one key they could grab, and it was blocked in. And they made their space to get out of here by ramming into other cars to get out."

Police later spotted the van, leading to a pursuit that ended with the suspects crashing into the Edgerton R-Center on Backus Street.

Officers caught one suspect but are still looking for another.

Meanwhile, Baker was left to clean up the damage which he estimated at $10,000.

"Parked cars that got hit and when they ran and whatever damage they hit when they crashed after here, my damage," Baker said. "It's a lot of people besides the person directly affected."

Owner Dave Baker said he hopes those responsible are held accountable.

"I hope that the higher-ups back (police) and prosecute them for these crimes instead of letting them go," he said. "(Otherwise) it just gives you a green light to do anything you want."

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Rochester auto shop cleaning up after theft led to police chase - 13WHAM-TV