Photo: Ajax9 / iStock / Getty Images
Authorities are actively searching for Joseph Hess, a 32-year-old suspect wanted in connection with an assault and robbery in Ballston Spa. The incident occurred last Thursday (October 15) when Hess allegedly stole a purse from a 76-year-old woman and hit her with a car in a McDonald's parking lot on Church Avenue.
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office reported that after the robbery, Hess's vehicle was found abandoned behind Mabey's Moving and Storage, close to the McDonald's. Witnesses reportedly saw Hess fleeing into the nearby woods.
On Saturday night (October 17), police received a tip that Hess might be at the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites on Central Avenue in Colonie, approximately 25 miles from the initial crime scene. However, a search of the hotel did not locate him, as reported by 6 News.
Hess is also wanted on an arrest warrant from Frankfort. Authorities urge anyone with information on Hess's whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately and advise against approaching him.