UTICA, N.Y. — A 16-year-old was arrested on Tuesday evening after being found in possession of a loaded handgun following a foot chase with Utica Police, authorities said.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on September 3, officers were dispatched to the area of Bleecker Street and Mohawk Street after receiving reports of a group of young males, one of whom was reportedly armed. The suspect was described as wearing bright clothing and holding a handgun.
Upon arrival, officers located the group, but all four individuals fled on foot when police attempted to speak with them. Officers pursued one of the males into a backyard on Elizabeth Street, where a large fence blocked his escape. Police gave verbal commands for the suspect to show his hands, at which point he removed a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun from his person and threw it to the ground.
The 16-year-old was detained, and the firearm was recovered. The other three individuals were also caught, but no additional firearms were found. Due to their ages, they were later released to their guardians.
The 16-year-old was taken to the Utica Police Department for further investigation and was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and criminal possession of a firearm.