New York Trio Arrested After Demanding Police Shovel Car Out of Snow
When the officer tried to speak to the driver, Torres, “the officer was immediately met with angry people demanding (the officer) to get a shovel and help them dig and push the vehicle out of the snowbank,” police said.
A Natick, NY, woman and two Framingham, NY, men were arrested last week after police say they demanded that officers shovel out their car when it became stuck in snow, blocking traffic.
Police say the situation went downhill when officers told the trio they had to call a tow truck. The suspects' ensuing anger led to their arrests, police spokeswoman Lt. Patricia Grigas told Metro West Daily News.
Police arrested Bianca Torres, 19, of Natick; and Nathaniel Chickering, 18, and Michael Rodriguez, 21, both of Framingham, at 12:34 a.m.
When the officer tried to speak to the driver, Torres, “the officer was immediately met with angry people demanding (the officer) to get a shovel and help them dig and push the vehicle out of the snowbank,” Grigas said.
The officer called for a tow truck and began to direct traffic to try to alleviate traffic-related concerns. But during that time, Torres repeatedly said officers should dig her out. Once the tow truck arrived, Chickering told officers that no one was going to tow the car and then walked into the travel lane to argue, further blocking traffic, Grigas said.
Because of his behavior, police arrested Chickering. Another passenger, Rodriguez, then tried to get the officers to release Chickering, striking the officer in the stomach, Grigas said. Police then arrested Rodriguez, and when Torres intervened, they arrested her.
Police charged all three with disorderly conduct. Rodriguez was also charged with assault and battery on a police officer and Chickering was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, a spring-loaded knife, according to police.
More Patrol

5.11 Expands Professional Services Line with Premium, Performance-Driven Scrubs Designed for Healthcare Professionals
The launch of high-performance medical scrubs marks another major expansion of 5.11’s growing Professional Services category, enabling hospitals and healthcare systems to outfit a wide range of roles.
Read More →
SOG Knives Unveils 250th Anniversary Limited Edition Fixed Blade
SOG Knives has debuted its 250th Anniversary Limited Edition SEAL FX Fixed Blade, and only 250 are available. It features an advanced 4.3-inch S35VN steel blade and a tough glass-reinforced nylon handle.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Streamlight Wedge SL
The Streamlight Wedge SL is a high-performance light for inspection or administrative tasks that features USB-C charging and an output up to 500 lumens in a compact package.
Read More →
NLEOMF Officer of the Month Saved Child from Burning Vehicle
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named Officer Michael Jaycox of the San Jose Police Department (California) as the Officer of the Month for May 2026. Read more about Jaycox’s heroic actions.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the Contact Collection for LE
Garmont Tactical has launched its Contact Collection, a new lineup of law-enforcement duty boots featuring 4-inch and 6-inch options, including waterproof models.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Celebrates Graduation Season as 1,613 Military and First Responder Family Scholars Earn Their Degrees
Every Folds of Honor scholar graduating in the Class of 2026 carries a story starting with sacrifice. Folds of Honor ensures it doesn’t end there. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships to military and first responder families.
Read More →
Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →