Utica, NY – A significant breakthrough in a shots fired case led to the arrest of a Rome man earlier this month in Utica. On July 6th, 2024, Utica Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Lenox Ave after reports of multiple casings found at the scene.
The case was quickly assigned to investigators from the GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) unit. Through diligent witness interviews and the review of surveillance footage, they gathered crucial suspect information. With further help from the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, the suspect was positively identified.
On July 18th, patrol unit officers spotted the suspect and his vehicle in the West Utica area. A vehicle stop was conducted, and Alex Smith, age 24, of Rome, was taken into custody without incident. He was then transported to the Utica Police Department.
Smith has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a firearm, and reckless endangerment in the first degree.