Thieves Caught Hiding in Ceiling After Massena Home Depot Heist, Woman Found Under Couch

Massena, NY – September 9, 2025

A larceny case in Massena turned dramatic Tuesday night when State Police say two suspects were found hiding in a ceiling and a third was discovered under a couch during a search.

According to investigators, Troopers responded to the Home Depot on Stephenville Road around 8:05 p.m. after reports of a shoplifting incident. Police say Jason Boyea, 45, of North Bangor, and Hunter J. Lamay, 21, of Malone, allegedly stole merchandise worth nearly $550. The pair bolted from the store, dropping one of the items, before fleeing in a white Ford F-150.

Troopers later tracked the suspects to a nearby residence. With a search warrant in hand, officers entered and found Boyea and Lamay hiding in the ceiling in an attempt to avoid capture. During the search, police also discovered 33-year-old Lisa A. Pitts of Massena hiding under a couch.

Boyea and Lamay were charged with petit larceny, processed at the State Police barracks in Massena, and released on appearance tickets to return to Massena Town Court.

Pitts, however, faced a different outcome. She was wanted on multiple warrants, including conspiracy, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arraigned in Potsdam Town Court and later released on her own recognizance.

The investigation is ongoing, and further charges have not been ruled out.

Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/three-individuals-arrested-stemming-larceny-complaint-0