Crime & Safety
Chemung County, NY Burglary Suspect Arrested After Weeks-Long Search
Big Flats, NY – An Elmira man has been arrested nearly two months after he allegedly burglarized a residence in the Town of Big Flats and fled into the woods before police arrived, authorities announc
By Paige Sullivan · 2026-09-22T15:22:44.143Z
Big Flats, NY – An Elmira man has been arrested nearly two months after he allegedly burglarized a residence in the Town of Big Flats and fled into the woods before police arrived, authorities announced.
According to the Chemung County Sheriff's Office, Drew M. Shaffer, 30, of Elmira, was charged with third degree burglary and third degree grand larceny, both Class D felonies, along with fourth degree grand larceny, a Class E felony.
The investigation began July 25 when sheriff's deputies responded to a Coleman Avenue residence for a reported burglary in progress.
Authorities said the alleged burglary was interrupted by a third party before responding officers reached the residence. The suspect allegedly fled into a wooded area.
Chemung County deputies, New York State Police, the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office and West Elmira Police Department searched for the suspect but were unable to locate him at the time.
The Chemung County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division subsequently joined the investigation. Authorities said investigators identified Shaffer as the suspect and made several unsuccessful attempts to locate him. An arrest warrant was then issued through Big Flats Town Court.
On Sept. 19, Elmira police arrested Shaffer on unrelated charges, according to the sheriff's office. He was subsequently turned over to Chemung County authorities for processing on the burglary and larceny charges.
Shaffer was arraigned in Elmira Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is expected to appear in Big Flats Town Court at a later date.
The charges are allegations. Shaffer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.