Combative Driver Arrested After Striking Officer and Resisting Arrest During Traffic Stop.

The NY Pulse
1 hour ago
2 min read

A routine traffic stop in the Town of New Hartford escalated into a physical confrontation Tuesday evening, leading to the arrest of a 47-year-old Utica woman.

According to the New Hartford Police Department, officers observed a vehicle operating with a suspended registration on State Route 12 on March 17, 2026, at approximately 8:18 p.m. Police initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Amira Zukanovic, 47, of Utica.

Investigators determined the vehicle was not legally permitted to operate on a public roadway due to a suspended registration and lack of insurance, as confirmed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. Officers advised Zukanovic that the vehicle would need to be towed and issued multiple lawful orders for her to exit the vehicle. Police report that Zukanovic repeatedly refused to comply and indicated an intent to flee, at one point moving the vehicle forward and creating a risk of injury.

As officers continued to explain the situation, Zukanovic allegedly attempted to leave the scene. When an officer reached into the vehicle to remove the key from the ignition, police say Zukanovic struck the officer in the face and became combative. She reportedly pushed, kicked, and resisted officers as they attempted to place her into custody.

Additional officers responded to assist, and Zukanovic was ultimately taken into custody without further incident. She was evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and later transported to police headquarters for processing.

Zukanovic was subsequently arraigned in Oneida County Centralized Arraignment Part Court and remanded to the Oneida County Jail, where she is currently being held.

She faces the following charges:

Obstructing Governmental Administration (PL 195.05)
Resisting Arrest (PL 205.30)
Harassment in the Second Degree – Physical Contact (PL 240.26)
Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (VTL 511-a)
Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration (VTL 512)
Unregistered Motor Vehicle (VTL 401)
Unlicensed Operation (VTL 509)
Failure to Produce License or Registration (VTL 510)
Insurance Violation (VTL 319)
Failure to Return Plates (VTL 340)
Operating with a Suspended License or Registration (VTL 355)
Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle (VTL 1144)

Police noted that the incident could have remained a routine traffic enforcement matter had the driver complied with lawful orders and addressed the violations through the court system.

The Utica Police Department assisted New Hartford officers at the scene.