(WNY News Now) – A license plate reader alert led to a coordinated police response in the Town of Niagara early October 15, resulting in the recovery of a stolen 2025 Honda Civic and charges against two Niagara Falls residents, including a 15-year-old.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were alerted to a stolen vehicle traveling on Lockport Road at approximately 1:07 a.m. Thursday, October 15, after license plate reader technology detected the vehicle.

A coordinated response involving the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Niagara Police and New York State Police led to a brief pursuit and the eventual stop of the Honda Civic at 2540 Military Road in the Town of Niagara.

According to investigators, the vehicle had been stolen in Niagara Falls after an incident involving a 29-year-old woman on October 13.

Police said two males approached the woman while she was walking on a bike path near Whirlpool Street and stole her purse, which contained her vehicle keys and other property. The Honda was subsequently taken from a nearby parked location.

The driver, Naejuon M. Vincent, 22, of Niagara Falls, was arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony; aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, a misdemeanor; and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.

Vincent was remanded to the Niagara County Jail pending centralized arraignment. He is scheduled to return to Town of Niagara Court.

A 15-year-old male passenger, also from Niagara Falls, was charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree. Authorities said he was released to his mother on an appearance ticket and is expected to address the charge through Niagara County Family Probation at a later date.

The recovered Honda had sustained body damage and was towed and held for its owner, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.