During the course of their investigation, police were alerted to a vehicle in the immediate vicinity. After developing enough cause to search the vehicle, they located a loaded 9mm handgun within.
Through the subsequent follow-up investigation by members of the GIVE Unit, it was learned that the weapon belonged to Nash who was further charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (defaced firearm) and criminal possession of a firearm.
Officer-involved shooting
On April 20, 2020, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Officer Peter Caruso, a 15-year veteran of the Utica Police Department, was on patrol on Whitesboro Street when a male walking on the south side of the street began making threatening statements to him. The male, later identified as Earl Roberts, 30, of Utica, alluded to the fact that he wished to engage in some sort of dispute with Caruso, and then continued walking southbound on Brayton Park Place.
At about this time, a witness to the incident saw Roberts pull a handgun onto his right side. This individual immediately informed the officer, and he attempted to exit his vehicle to engage Roberts. At that point Roberts immediately began to open fire on Caruso, striking the patrol vehicle at least twice during this exchange.
Caruso took cover behind his driver’s-side door and returned fire toward Roberts. Another exchange of gunfire took place, with one round striking the door directly where Caruso was taking cover. Additionally, a round struck the display window at Sabatino’s Market, located across Whitesboro Street, narrowly missing several individuals.
Ultimately, Roberts fired at least eight rounds at Caruso, striking only the locations mentioned above. Caruso discharged three rounds from his handgun. Roberts then fled on foot with Caruso giving chase; however, he was unable to locate him. The immediate vicinity was cordoned and locked down.
After several hours, Roberts was located in a residence near the initial scene, and the METRO SWAT team consisting of members of the Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sherriff’s Office and New Hartford Police Department entered the residence. When negotiations with Roberts broke down, the METRO SWAT utilized less-lethal chemical munitions to apprehend Roberts without any further gunfire or violence.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Roberts was charged with first-degree attempted murder, a class A felony, as well as weapons-related possession charges.
We would like to thank all members of the agencies involved for the quick and safe resolution to this violent incident, as well as the public for their cooperation and understanding during the investigation.
Caruso was placed on administrative paid leave while the investigation was conducted; this is standard practice, and we would like to acknowledge his bravery and immediate response to the situation, which no doubt aided in saving his life and those of the general public.
Police investigate shooting April 24
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Utica police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Warren Street regarding an individual that had been shot. Upon arrival, it was learned that a male party had been transported to a local hospital via a private vehicle.
It was learned at the hospital that the male had been struck one time in the abdomen; however, his injuries do not appear life-threatening. Information was further given that the incident took place near the intersection of Court and Cross streets.
Additional information will be released as it is available.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 315.223.3510.
Update to April 24 shooting investigation
This is a recap and update to the shooting assault incident occurring April 24, 2020.
Upon commencement of the investigation, a suspect vehicle description was developed; the vehicle was located a short distance away.
Following a stop of the vehicle, suspect information, as well as the location of the handgun involved was developed. Investigators were able to secure the weapon and gain enough probable cause to charge a 14-year-old male in connection with the shooting.
Due to his age, the male will not be identified, but in conjunction with the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, it was determined adult criminal charges would be levied against him.
At this time those charges are second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
If any additional parties are charged, we will update this release.
April 26, 2020
An investigator with the Criminal Investigation Division was traveling on Eagle Street near Howard Avenue when she witnessed several juveniles surrounding a male on a bicycle. As she approached, she witnessed the juveniles begin to strike the victim repeatedly and ultimately take his bicycle from him. As she exited her vehicle to assist, the juveniles fled on foot and with the stolen bicycle.
With the assistance of members of the Patrol Division, two male juveniles were apprehended a short distance away. The stolen bicycle was also recovered and given back to the victim.
After the conclusion of the incident, both juveniles, age 15, were charged with second-degree robbery.
Utica man faces burglary charges
On May 12, 2020, Jason J. Murph, 20, of Utica, was arrested and charged with four counts of second-degree burglary (felony) and four counts of petit larceny (misdemeanor). Murph was charged in relation to burglary investigations that occurred in October and November 2019 on Prospect Street, Douglas Crest and Bonnie Brae.
Police investigate threat at North Utica Wal-Mart
At approximately 1:20 p.m., May 14, 2020, Wal-Mart in North Utica received a call via their customer service line where an unknown male made a threat to the store and its patrons.
The Utica Police Department immediately responded, contained the store and conducted a protective security sweep. No suspicious individuals were located, and nothing seemed amiss.
Following that, members of the Criminal Investigation Division commenced an investigation into the call. They learned that the number the call originated from is not in active service and likely originated from outside the area.
The investigation will continue, and Utica police will maintain a presence at Wal-Mart for the foreseeable future.
We take all calls of this nature seriously; however, Wal-Mart will remain open for business at this time.
If there are any updates regarding this incident we will release them at that time.
Disorderly house party dispersed
At about 1:15 a.m., May 21, 2020, Utica police units were dispatched to the 900 block of Lenox Avenue regarding a large, disorderly house party that was spilling into the roadway with fighting and threats of weapons.
The first arriving officer came upon approximately 70 to 80 individuals in the roadway who were beginning to fight. He attempted to disperse the crowd; however, many of the parties began to threaten and encroach upon him. In order to attempt to disperse them and for his safety, he utilized his pepper spray, which had minimal effect, and the crowd continued to become more and more hostile.
Soon additional officers arrived, upon which the crowd continued to grow in size and aggressiveness. Several parties within in the group began to arm themselves with baseball bats and fight amongst themselves and continue to threaten the officers on scene.
During the course of the incident, the number and hostility grew to a point where mutual aid from additional outside departments was requested to break up the group.
Ultimately, the situation was brought under control and five individuals were charged with offenses ranging from harassment toward an officer and disorderly conduct to resisting arrest.
Additionally more serious charges are being investigated.
Those arrested included Gloria Grant, 24, of Utica; Crystal Hinson, 33, of Utica; Manya Shelton, 26, of Utica; Nyala Wilson, 27, of Utica; and Nakia Wilson, 25, of Utica.
Police investigate shots fired
On May 21, 2020 at approximately 10:55 p.m., Utica police were dispatched to the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Shaw Street regarding a shots-fired investigation. Callers described that occupants of a silver Dodge Caravan were firing from the vehicle and another unknown sedan.
As the units arrived, several 9mm and .40 caliber casings were located near the intersection; however, neither vehicle was still on scene.
Based on the information received at the scene, a Dodge Caravan matching the description was located nearby, and the officers attempted to make a stop of it. The vehicle fled, and a pursuit was initiated; however, due to the driver’s reckless operation, officers called off the chase for public safety. Within moments, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Blandina Street regarding a vehicle that had a struck a utility pole.
Upon arrival, police located the same silver Dodge Caravan and a male, identified as Sirr Roberts, 19, of Utica, lying on the ground with obvious leg injuries. Upon inspection of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun was found in plain view on the floor board. Additionally, a wallet containing the identification of a separate male was also found within the vehicle.
Information was learned on scene that another male with a significant arm fracture had fled from the vehicle following the crash; he was not located initially.
Roberts was then transported to the hospital in police custody.
After some time, a male with a broken arm arrived at the hospital, stating that he sustained the injury after a motor vehicle accident. The male would not provide any additional information about the circumstances of the accident. This male identified himself as the individual whose wallet was located in the vehicle. Additionally, his injuries were an exact match to what was described on scene.
Based on these factors, this male, identified as Tyshawn Rhines, 23, of Utica, was arrested.
Roberts and Rhines were charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm, both felonies.
Rhines was also charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony.
Additional charges are possible; the investigation continues.
Police involved in ATV pursuit
On May 20, 2020, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Utica police witnessed a four-wheeler and a dirt bike driving erratically and disregarding all traffic control devices and safe vehicle operation laws.
Based on these violations, officers attempted to stop the two; a pursuit initiated. As the pursuit continued through various intersections, the supervisor of pursuit decided that it was not safe to continue, due to the reckless and dangerous operations of the two riders.
Ultimately, the two were located again soon after, and officers again attempted to stop them. They fled again. As the officers were watching the two operators, they witnessed the operator of the dirt bike disregard the red signal at the intersection of Broad Street and Route 5S and crash into a vehicle there. The operator of the dirt bike was ejected and landed in the construction area near the intersection.
This operator, later identified as Brandon Silvagnoli, 26, of Utica, suffered a broken ankle as a result of his actions. He was issued 14 traffic tickets and arrested for the misdemeanor offense of third-degree fleeing an officer.
The operator of the four-wheeler, later identified as Joel Mateo, 34, of Utica, returned to the accident scene as a passenger in a separate vehicle. Officers arrested him on a charge of misdemeanor third-degree fleeing an officer. He also was issued 26 traffic tickets.
We would like to remind the public that use of an all-terrain vehicle on city streets is illegal. There are plenty of locations nearby where you can ride and enjoy your machines. The reckless and illegal operation of them within the city is dangerous to all involved, and we will continue to enforce any and all violations of individuals who continue to utilize them.
May 31, 2020
The Utica Police Department supports the peaceful protestors today locally and across the nation for the injustices that they stand for. We ask that the protests today in Utica honor the memory of George Floyd in a peaceful and respectful manner. It is our hope that the city of Utica can be an example to the state and nation of how the police and protesters can work together to organize a peaceful march for change for a greater good for all. We stand with you.
Arrest of suspect in May 27, 2020, Elizabeth Street shooting investigation
On June 1, 2020, the Utica Police Department Warrants Unit with the assistance of the Marshal’s Task Force, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Rome Police Department arrested Robert Stephens, 33, of Utica, at a location in Rome.
This arrest was as a result of the investigation into a shooting assault that occurred in Utica on May 27, 2020, on Elizabeth Street.
Stephens was charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Thank you to all the agencies involved for their assistance in apprehending Stephens.
Arrest in Utica shooting investigation occurring June 3, 2020
On June 3, 2020, Utica police responded to the 1200 block of Seymour Avenue regarding a shooting investigation in which one male was struck by gunfire. The male suffered one gunshot wound to his abdomen and was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Currently, the victim is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Utica Police Major Crimes Unit conducted the investigation, and on June 4, 2020, charged Cameron Frazier, 30, of Utica, with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Weapons possession arrest made
On June 7, 2020 Utica police were dispatched to the 500 block of Jefferson Avenue regarding a shots-fired investigation. While en route, a possible suspect description was given; soon after, members of the GIVE Unit stopped a male nearby matching that description.
As they were detaining the male, he threw a large garbage bag down and stated that there was a handgun inside of it.
Other officers checked the bag and located a loaded revolver; however, the weapon was in disrepair and unable to be fired. The revolver was secured and safely brought back to the station.
An investigator with the Criminal Investigations Division was also on scene and recognized the male to be a suspect in a separate shots-fired investigation occurring in 2018. Recently, a DNA profile match came back, indicating the weapon recovered in the 2018 incident matched the DNA of the party detained by the officers.
Subsequently, the male, identified as Shawn Taylor, 37, of Utica, was interviewed and charged in connection with the 2018 shooting.
The shots-fired investigation occurring June 7 is still under investigation. Taylor was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.
Police investigate fatal fall
On June 6, 2020, at about 4:30 p.m., Utica Fire Department and Utica police were dispatched to 1438 Genesee St. regarding a child who fell from an upstairs balcony.
All possible life-saving measures were undertaken; sadly, the 6-year-old child passed away.
The circumstances regarding the fall are still being investigated; however, all evidence shows that it was a tragic accident.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 315.223.3510.
Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.
Police investigate shooting report
On June 8, 2020, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Utica police units were dispatched to the 600 block of Nichols Street regarding a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, it was learned that a male and a female were inside a residence when gunfire entered the home, striking both in the lower back. Both parties were immediately transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, where it was learned that their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Several spent 9mm casings were located in the roadway; however, other than the call from the injured parties, we received no calls reporting the shots fired.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 315.223.3510 or submit a 100-percent anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Weapons possession arrest Utica
On June 10, 2020, at approximately 4:25 p.m., members of Utica Police Patrol Division conducted a vehicle stop on Wager Street. As the vehicle slowed, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot from the officers. After a brief foot pursuit, the driver, later identified as Elijiah Reed, 22, of Utica, was apprehended. As he was being taken into custody, Reed made admissions regarding a handgun being in the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm handgun inside. Reed was subsequently charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.
Police investigate homicide
At approximately 10:30 p.m. June 17, Utica police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Brinckerhoff Avenue regarding a shots-fired investigation with a party struck by gunfire.
The male victim identified as Jamaal Jackson, 25, of Utica, was immediately rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital where all life saving measures were undertaken; however, he succumbed to his injuries.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 315.223.3510 or submit a 100-percent anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Police address fight at T Revels Gibson
On Friday June 12, 2020, Utica police were dispatched to 144 Eagle St., T Revels Gibson Funeral Home regarding a large disturbance.
Upon arrival, it was learned that an altercation had taken place over the funeral services of a recently passed individual. It was further learned that during the altercation, individuals had suffered injuries resulting in transportation to the hospital.
The incident is under active investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident and out of respect for the deceased and her family, the Utica Police Department will not be releasing the identities of any party involved, nor of those who may face criminal charges.
Any additional information may be released in the future; however, at this time this will be the only comment being formally made at this time with respect to the ongoing investigation.
Police investigate shooting
On June 22, 2020, at about 11:30 p.m., Utica police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Seymour Avenue regarding a male being struck by gunfire. Upon arrival, they located a male suffering from one gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Once on scene, the officers learned that an unknown male attired in dark clothing wearing a face mask approached the victim and shot him the one time. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and treated for his injuries which are not considered life-threatening.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 315.223.3510 or submit a 100-percent anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Police investigate stabbing
On June 23, 2020, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Utica police were dispatched to Wendy’s on Genesee Street regarding a stabbing investigation. Upon arrival, they located a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was immediately transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for emergency treatment. His wounds were serious, but not considered life-threatening.
Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that an argument ensued amongst the victim and another employee resulting in a physical altercation. During the altercation, the suspect brandished a knife and inflicted the wounds to the victim.
Due to the ages of the involved parties, it is likely that no names will be released; however, charges are expected to be filed today by the Juvenile Aid Division.
Police investigate Nielson Street shooting
On June 23, 2020, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Utica police were dispatched to the 1500 block of Nielson Street regarding a gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, they located a male who had was suffering from a gunshot to his left shoulder. The male advised the officers that he was shot at a separate location and then drove himself to the residence on Neilson Street. A canvas of the area where it was alleged to have occurred did not reveal any information relative to the shooting. Additionally, we received no additional calls of shots fired during this time frame.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 315.223.3510 or submit a 100-percent anonymous tip online through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 866-730-8477 (TIPS), or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.
Police investigate assault
At approximately 10:15 p.m. on June 28, 2020, Utica police were dispatched to the 1500 block of Oneida Street regarding an assault investigation. Upon arrival, it was learned that two females had sustained stab wounds during an altercation.
One of the females sustained injuries to her shoulder, bicep and hand; the other to her hip. Both were transported to local hospitals and treated for their injuries.
Following the investigation it was learned that a suspect, Ashley Pierce, 24, of Utica, brandished a kitchen-style knife during the fight and stabbed both females.
She was subsequently charged with second-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.