UTICA POLICE ARREST 16-YEAR-OLD FOR POSSESSION OF LOADED HANDGUN FOLLOWING FOOT CHASE

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UTICA, NY – On September 3rd, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, Utica Police officers were dispatched to the area near Bleecker Street and Mohawk Street following reports of a group of young males, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Witnesses described one individual in particular as wearing bright clothing and holding the weapon.

Upon arrival, officers located the group and identified the individual matching the description. As officers exited their vehicles and attempted to engage with the group, all four individuals fled on foot, prompting a chase.

Officers pursued one male into a backyard on the 600 block of Elizabeth Street, where a large fence blocked further escape. The officers issued verbal commands for the suspect to show his hands. The male then reached in front of his body, removed a handgun, and threw it to the ground. He was quickly detained, and officers recovered the weapon, a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun.

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The individual was determined to be 16 years old and was transported to the Utica Police Department for further investigation.

The other three individuals in the group were also apprehended. No additional firearms were found, and due to their ages, they were later released to the custody of their guardians.

Following the investigation, the 16-year-old suspect was charged with:

- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

- Criminal Possession of a Firearm