On the night of Oct. 29, 2026, a stolen vehicle was located in real time after the owner reported that his cellphone remained inside the car. The victim’s phone, equipped with a tracking app, allowed officers to follow the vehicle’s movements from Johnstown to Gloversville.
Police response and tracking effort
At approximately 1:23 a.m., members of the Johnstown Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to a theft report on Dove Street. After interviewing the victim, officers learned that the phone’s location could be monitored. The responding officer stayed with the victim, providing continuous updates as the phone’s signal moved north along North Perry Street.
Using the live tracker, officers watched the car cross the city line into Gloversville. Gloversville Police Department units intercepted the vehicle near the intersection of Church and Bleecker streets. The driver, identified as Chan J.P. Sonderfan, was stopped and taken into custody.
Arrest and charges
Following the arrest, Johnstown officers arrived to preserve the scene while a Detective Division member processed the stolen vehicle. Sonderfan was arraigned in Gloversville City Court on a count of PL 155.30(8) – grand larceny for a motor vehicle valued over $100. He was remanded to the Fulton County Correctional Facility without bail and later issued an appearance ticket to be returned to Johnstown City Court.
The swift coordination between the Johnstown and Gloversville police departments highlights the effectiveness of modern tracking technology in recovering stolen property and apprehending suspects. Residents can take confidence in the collaborative effort that protected community safety and demonstrated a proactive law‑enforcement response.
Community impact
Vehicle theft remains a concern for residents of both cities, but this case shows that timely reporting and the use of digital tools can lead to rapid resolution. Police encourage anyone who experiences a theft to contact authorities immediately and to keep tracking apps enabled on personal devices when possible.
Authorities continue to advise the public to secure their vehicles, lock doors, and store valuables out of sight. The partnership between neighboring jurisdictions serves as a model for future incidents, reinforcing the commitment of local law enforcement to safeguard the community.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
