Police say the same gunman targeted a deli, delivery driver and smoke shop
UTICA, NY – An 18-year-old Utica man is accused of carrying out three armed robberies on three consecutive days, with police saying a partially masked gunman threatened victims with a handgun while targeting a deli, a food delivery driver and a smoke shop before an investigator spotted the alleged suspect walking nearby.
Utica Police identified the suspect as Kamar Freeman, 18, of Utica. He was charged with three counts of first-degree robbery.
Deli robbed at gunpoint
The first robbery occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Mohawk Street.
Police said a man attempting to conceal his face entered a deli, approached the counter and displayed a handgun.
The suspect stole cash and store proceeds before leaving, according to police.
Delivery driver targeted the next day
A second armed robbery was reported at approximately 6:25 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of Broad Street.
This time, police said a food delivery driver was threatened.
The robber allegedly took food and the driver’s cellphone.
Smoke shop becomes third target
The third robbery occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. Tuesday.
Police said the suspect entered a smoke shop, approached the counter and threatened employees before taking cash and tobacco products.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from all three robberies and determined the same person was responsible, according to police.
Images of the suspect were distributed through the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center.
Investigator spots suspect during canvass
While investigating Tuesday’s robbery and canvassing the surrounding area, a Criminal Investigations Division investigator noticed someone matching the suspect’s description walking in the 300 block of Mohawk Street.
The investigator stopped the individual.
Police said the man made incriminating statements about his involvement shortly after being stopped. He was taken to the Utica Police Department and interviewed.
Following the interview and additional investigation, Freeman was charged with three counts of first-degree robbery.
The charges are accusations, and Freeman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Kamar Freeman, 18, of Utica, is charged with three counts of first-degree robbery.
- Police allege the same armed suspect robbed a deli, food delivery driver and smoke shop on three consecutive days.
- An investigator spotted someone matching the suspect’s description while canvassing the area after the third robbery.
