Woman, 21, Arrested After Driving Stolen Rental Mazda CX-5 in Rye

RYE, NY (January 2, 2026) — A 21-year-old woman from Middletown, New York, was arrested Friday morning after Rye police located her behind the wheel of a vehicle reported stolen, according to the City of Rye Police Department.

At approximately 7:55 a.m., the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center notified Rye police that a stolen vehicle was traveling southbound on Boston Post Road at the intersection of Peck Avenue. The vehicle was identified as a 2026 Mazda CX-5.

Officers located the Mazda in the parking lot of the CVS at 1121 Boston Post Road. Upon arrival, they observed the operator, later identified as Jaynice Almonte of Middletown, in the driver’s seat.

Further investigation confirmed the Mazda was still listed as an active stolen vehicle. Almonte was informed of the status and placed under arrest. She was transported to the City of Rye Police Department for processing.

At headquarters, a representative of Enterprise (EAN Holdings) confirmed that Almonte was not listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.

Almonte was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at Rye City Court on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to answer to the charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle in the third degree.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.