Hertz Put Her in the Driver's Seat, State Police Took Her Out

Editor’s Note: We published this article earlier in the week and bring it back in case you missed it.

New York State Police were assisting with a disabled vehicle on I-87 on May 15 when they discovered the car had been listed as stolen by the Chelmsford Police Department in Massachusetts.

The driver was identified as Marleana Aldred, 49, of Groton, MA. The 2014 Chevrolet Spark had been due back to Hertz rental car agency on December 18, 2014—per her rental agreement.

It’s easy to see why she wanted it.

A subcompact, the Spark was the Top Electric Vehicle of 2014 because it was the most fuel-efficient, according to the 2014 Fuel Economy Guide released by the EPA and Energy Department. Just how fuel efficient is it? The miles-per-gallon equivalent is 119 combined, 128 city and 109 highway.

It was added to the Hertz fleet only last year, with a lot of fanfare.

“Though some may deride it as nothing more than a compliance car, the Chevy Spark EV is among the most efficient and fun electric cars out there,” wrote Christopher DeMorro on Gas2.org and EV Obsession.

The five months “extra” rental costs would have run to more than $7,000 -- plus tax. (For about $5,000 more, she could have bought a new one.)

Aldred was transported to the state police barracks in Tarrytown where she was processed for:

• Unauthorized Use of Vehicle 3rd Degree, Class A Misdemeanor

She is due in Sloatsburg village court on May 27.