Herkimer Man Joseph Hess Wanted After Ballston Robbery

Authorities across Upstate New York are searching for Joseph Hess, a 32-year-old man from Frankfort, accused of a violent robbery and hit-and-run that left a 76-year-old woman seriously injured outside a McDonald’s in Ballston.

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the crime happened around 6:25 p.m. Thursday in the McDonald’s parking lot on Church Avenue. Deputies say Hess allegedly stole a woman’s purse from her car, and when she tried to stop him, he threw his own car in reverse and ran her over before speeding away. The woman suffered compound fractures in her leg and was rushed to Albany Medical Center.

Saratoga County Sheriff's Office

Investigators later discovered that Hess was driving a stolen vehicle out of Colonie, which they found abandoned behind Mabey’s Moving and Storage on Route 67. Witnesses told police they saw him running into the woods, sparking a massive search across Ballston Spa.

Schools on Lockdown as Search Expands

Ballston Spa schools swept their buildings and went into a “secure lockout” as a precaution. Classes continued, but doors were locked and security remained tight throughout the day.

Police Raid Hotel in Colonie

The manhunt widened Saturday when deputies received a tip that Hess was hiding out at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites in Colonie, about 25 miles from the original crime scene. Multiple law enforcement agencies swarmed the hotel around 4 p.m., surrounding the building and calling for Hess to surrender. But after hours of searching, they came up empty.

The Ongoing Manhunt

Now, days later, Hess remains on the run. Police believe he could still be somewhere in the Capital Region or possibly back in Herkimer County, where he’s already wanted on an unrelated arrest warrant.

Authorities describe Hess as a white male, roughly 6 feet 3 inches tall, with long brown hair. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeve white shirt and blue jeans.

Deputies are warning the public not to approach him. Instead, anyone who spots Hess or has information about his whereabouts should call the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office at 518-885-6761 or dial 911 immediately.

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Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler

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