Utica, NY – On June 12, 2024, at approximately 5:00 AM, Utica Police units were dispatched to the 200 block of Genesee St regarding a motor vehicle robbery.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, who explained that as he was arriving to work, he stepped out of his vehicle to check on something, leaving the driver side door open. When he turned back, he noticed a naked man entering the vehicle in an attempt to steal it. The victim attempted to grab the suspect but was unable to get a firm hold due to the suspect’s lack of clothing.
A struggle ensued, and the victim managed to grab the suspect’s hair from the rear seat as the suspect began to drive away. The victim was dragged by the vehicle and eventually released his grip to avoid further injury, falling to the ground.
A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued for the stolen vehicle. Deputies from the Oneida Sheriff’s Office located the vehicle, but the suspect failed to comply, leading to a pursuit. The vehicle was ultimately stopped in Madison County, and the suspect, identified as Xavier Holmes, 30, of Utica, was arrested and later transported back to the Utica Police Department.
Holmes was charged with Robbery in the second degree. Additional charges under the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law will be levied by the respective agencies involved.
