UTICA, NY – On January 12, 2024, at around 8:00 PM, Utica Police Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit engaged in an operation targeting ongoing gun violence. The incident unfolded on Lenox Ave near Warren St, where officers attempted to stop three individuals.
As officers approached, all three suspects fled on foot, prompting multiple pursuits. One individual, later identified as a 15-year-old, discarded a 9mm loaded ghost gun during the chase but was apprehended shortly after. Another suspect, a 17-year-old male, was also quickly taken into custody.
The third suspect, a 14-year-old male, was found behind a residence on the 1100 block of Lenox Ave. During his detention, two females emerged from the same residence and engaged in a physical altercation with the officers, attempting to obstruct the apprehension. Eventually, all three were subdued and taken into custody.
All five individuals were transported to the Utica Police Department for further investigation. The firearm retrieved was confirmed to be a loaded 9mm ghost gun. Charges for obstructing governmental administration were filed against the 14 and 17-year-old by the Juvenile Aid.