UTICA, NY – A high-stakes confrontation on March 28th led to the arrest of 30-year-old Aaron Dockery of Utica, following his involvement in a series of dangerous events that ended with police and other authorities on a vigorous chase. The Utica Police Department released details of the incident and subsequent arrest.
At approximately 11:15 PM, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Lenox Avenue following reports of an argument involving a handgun. Witnesses reported that Dockery, inside a vehicle, had brandished a handgun and threatened another individual. Police were given a description of the vehicle and the direction in which it fled.
Shortly after, officers located the vehicle in a nearby driveway. When they approached and issued verbal commands, Dockery allegedly ignored them, reversed the vehicle towards the officers, and subsequently struck two patrol cars, causing extensive damage and injuries to an officer.
Dockery then drove at several other officers, forcing them to take evasive action, before fleeing the scene. The pursuit was later discontinued due to the extreme danger posed by Dockery’s driving. The vehicle was eventually found abandoned near First St and Elizabeth St. A search uncovered a significant quantity of suspected cocaine and .38 caliber ammunition.
Surveillance footage from the area later showed Dockery disposing of a handgun onto a nearby building’s roof, which was retrieved with the help of the Utica Fire Department. The firearm was confirmed to be loaded.
Following the incidents, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Fugitive Task Force joined the search. Dockery was apprehended days later by Freeport, NY Police on unrelated traffic violations. Due to medical issues, he was hospitalized before being returned to Utica Police custody.