Utica Police Make Drug and Weapon Arrests Following Proactive Patrols

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Utica, NY – December 23, 2024 – Investigators from the GIVE Unit were conducting proactive patrols in response to recent shots-fired investigations when they observed what appeared to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction on the 1100 block of Miller Street. Prompted by the suspicious activity, officers called in assistance from the Crime Prevention Unit to initiate a vehicle stop.

After identifying several violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (NYSV&TL), officers attempted to stop the vehicle on Columbia Street. As the vehicle slowed to pull over, officers observed the occupants discarding items from the car. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and an interview with the occupants was conducted.

Based on the circumstances, officers proceeded with a search of both the vehicle and the individuals. During the search, over 76 grams of methamphetamine were found inside the vehicle, along with a loaded .25 caliber magazine on one of the individuals.

Further investigation of the area where items had been thrown revealed a bag containing fentanyl and a .25 caliber handgun.

Both individuals were detained and transported to the Utica Police Department. The following charges were filed upon the conclusion of the investigation:

Paul Ward, 43, of Yorkville

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Firearm

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree

Warren Johnson, 47, of Utica

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree