Utica officer punched during chaotic teen brawl, two juveniles charged
Utica, NY — A violent after-school fight involving a group of juveniles resulted in an officer being punched in the face and two teens facing charges, police said following the incident on January 12.
Utica Police officers were dispatched at around 2:55 p.m. to the area of Eagle Street and Greenview Drive after receiving reports of a large group fight. Upon arrival, officers witnessed several individuals kicking a female who was on the ground shielding herself.
As one officer moved in to protect the victim, he was punched by a male in the group. A second officer attempted to detain the suspect, who escaped by removing some clothing and fleeing on foot. The chase continued as the suspect jumped from a porch and ran, but officers eventually caught and arrested him. The suspect was identified as a 16-year-old male and was charged with harassment in the second degree and resisting arrest. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Probation/Family Court.
During the investigation into the initial incident, officers and members of the Juvenile Aid Unit reviewed surveillance and cellphone video. Police determined that a 14-year-old female was the primary aggressor in the assault. She was charged with criminal nuisance in the second degree and also issued an appearance ticket.
Both juveniles’ identities are being withheld due to their age.
Utica Police noted a growing trend of violent incidents in the Eagle Street area, many involving juveniles following school dismissal. In response, the department said it will continue using the state’s criminal nuisance statute to charge individuals whose behavior endangers public safety.
This charge applies when someone creates or maintains a condition that endangers the health or safety of a considerable number of people.
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Key Points
- A Utica police officer was punched while responding to a group assault on January 12
- A 16-year-old male and a 14-year-old female were charged and issued appearance tickets
- Police cite increased juvenile violence in the area and plan to use criminal nuisance charges to address public safety risks
