NEW HARTFORD, NY — According to the New Hartford Police Department, officers were dispatched around 12:00 a.m. on May 16, 2026, to a residence on Ney Avenue for a reported domestic dispute in progress.

Police say that after arriving on scene, officers made contact with the alleged victim, who reported that during a verbal argument his girlfriend became physically aggressive.

According to police, the victim stated the suspect allegedly damaged his cellphone by breaking the screen and also broke a key off inside the ignition of his vehicle while he was attempting to leave the residence.

Authorities say officers later discovered there was an active temporary Order of Protection in place protecting the victim.

Based on the reported incident and the alleged violation of the Order of Protection, police say Renee Ruffrage, 21, of New Hartford, was taken into custody at the scene.

According to the department, Ruffrage was transported to the New Hartford Police Department for processing and charged with:

  • Criminal Mischief (2 counts) — Misdemeanor
  • Harassment in the Second Degree — Violation
  • Criminal Contempt in the First Degree — Felony

Police say she was later transported to the Oneida County Jail pending centralized arraignment proceedings.

The New Hartford Police Department also stated that a Domestic Incident Danger Assessment Evaluation was completed to determine additional protective measures and support services for the alleged victim.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.