Gates Police: Woman was drunk, high when she stole car with infant inside

GATES, N.Y. — Police say a Rochester woman was drunk and high when she stole a car with an infant inside.

Gates Police have charged Meghan Daniels, 35, with four felonies and a misdemeanor. She was released on an appearance ticket.

On Wednesday around 7:30 p.m., police say a woman went to Modern Nails on Howard Road to pick up a friend. When she stepped out of her car to signal to her friend that she had arrived, Daniels allegedly jumped behind the wheel and drove off.

The woman’s two-month-old infant was strapped in the backseat.

Soon after, a Gates Police officer spotted the stolen car near Buffalo Road and Mount Read Boulevard. The officer tried to stop, but Daniels allegedly drove off.

Police followed the car through the city. Daniels, they say, stopped on Rockview Terrace and tried to run away, but was quickly caught.

Daniels has been charged charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, fourth-degree grand larceny, and aggravated driving while intoxicated under Leandra’s Law – all felonies She’s also charged with misdemeanor driving while ability impaired due to drugs.

Daniels was given an appearance ticket.

“She was brought before the Gates Town Court and then the Gates justices here are just acting on the power that they’re given by the state, by the legislation passed by the state,” Lt. Matthew Pascarella said. “So we know there’s a lot of offenses that are now considered not bail eligible, so those offenses were on the list.”

She is due back in Gates Town Court at a later date.