Traffic stop in Utica leads to weapon arrests after brass knuckles found
Utica, NY – What began as a routine traffic stop for vehicle and traffic law violations escalated into two arrests Monday afternoon after officers discovered illegal weapons inside a car on South Street.
Around 1:30 p.m. on January 26, officers assigned to the Utica Police Department’s Tactical Unit stopped a vehicle near the intersection of South Street and St. Vincent Street. During the stop, officers learned the driver was operating the vehicle with a suspended New York State driver’s license and placed him into custody.
As part of standard procedure, the passenger was asked to exit the vehicle and officers conducted an inventory search prior to the car being towed. During that inventory, police located a pair of brass knuckles inside the vehicle, leading to the passenger’s arrest as well.
Both individuals were transported to the Utica Police Department for processing.
DreQuann Medina, 31, of Utica, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree along with several New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Yasir Hamid, 24, also of Utica, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree.
No injuries were reported, and police did not indicate whether additional charges are pending.
Key Points
- Traffic stop on South Street led to discovery of brass knuckles
- Driver arrested for weapon possession and multiple traffic violations
- Passenger also charged with third-degree criminal weapon possession