Desperate Chase After SUV Stolen With Kids Inside In Broome County

What started as a routine overnight snow-plowing job turned into a terrifying few minutes for a local family in the Town of Chenango early Monday morning. According to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, a woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle with two children still inside.

Woman Steals Running SUV With Children Inside

Deputies say the incident happened around 2:20 a.m. in the parking lot of the Dollar General on State Route 12. The owner of a 2016 Ford Explorer had reportedly left the SUV running while he used another vehicle to plow snow in the same lot. That is when a witness says a woman got into the Explorer and drove off, not realizing or not caring that two children, ages 8 and 12, were still inside the vehicle.

Father Intercepts Stolen SUV and Confronts Suspect

The victim did not wait for the police to arrive. Instead, he followed the stolen vehicle south on Route 12 for about a mile. Near 1563 State Route 12, he was able to get the SUV to stop, unlock the doors, and pull the woman out of the driver’s seat. Authorities say the suspect then tried to steal the victim’s other vehicle, but he was again able to pull her out before she ran off on foot, heading south on Route 12.

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Police Apprehend Suspect After Struggle

While deputies were responding to the original 911 call, they spotted someone matching the suspect’s description walking near where the vehicle had been stopped. The Sheriff’s Office says the woman was uncooperative, refused to answer questions, and had to be taken into custody. During the arrest, she allegedly fought with officers and kicked a New York State Trooper in the face.

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Suspect Identified and List of Charges Detailed

The woman was later identified as Dana E. Dioguardi, 46, of the Town of Chenango. The victim reportedly confirmed she was the same person who had taken his vehicle. Investigators say Dioguardi has been charged with:

• Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree (Class E felony)
• Attempted Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree (Class E felony)
• Two counts of Child Endangerment (Class A misdemeanors)
• Resisting Arrest (Class A misdemeanor)
• Obstruction of Governmental Administration in the 2nd Degree (Class A misdemeanor)

She was processed and remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility. The New York State Police also assisted at the scene.