UTICA, N.Y. – A Utica man is facing robbery and weapons charges after police say he held a knife to a woman’s throat and later pressed what appeared to be a handgun against a man’s head while demanding money early Tuesday.
Utica police were called to the 500 block of Henry Street at about 1:15 a.m. Sept. 1. Two people told officers that a man they knew had approached them outside a residence and demanded money.
The woman told investigators the man put a knife against her throat and threatened to kill her if he wasn’t paid. The male victim said the suspect then went to his vehicle, retrieved what appeared to be a handgun and put it against his head while searching his pockets.
Police Say Suspect Fled Empty-Handed
Police said the suspect didn’t find any property to take from the man’s pockets. He allegedly threatened both victims again before leaving the area.
Officers circulated a description of the suspect and his vehicle. Not long afterward, a patrol officer spotted the vehicle on the 700 block of Kirkland Street and pulled it over.
The driver was identified as Alexander Walker, 30, of Utica, according to police.
- Police say Walker threatened two people he knew while demanding money early Tuesday.
- A patrol officer located Walker’s vehicle shortly after police issued a lookout alert.
- Officers said they found a black BB gun matching the victims’ description of the apparent handgun.
Was the gun allegedly used during the robbery a firearm?
Police said officers found a black BB gun in plain view on the vehicle’s seat. Investigators said it matched the description of the weapon reported by the victims.
Walker Arrested During Kirkland Street Traffic Stop
Officers removed Walker from the vehicle and took him into custody without incident, police said.
The BB gun was visible on a seat as officers made the arrest, according to the department. Police did not say in their announcement whether the knife described by the female victim was recovered.
Walker was taken to the Utica Police Department, where the Criminal Investigations Division continued the investigation.
Were either of the victims injured?
Utica police did not report physical injuries to either victim in their public statement. Both told investigators they were threatened during the encounter.
Attempted Robbery, Weapons Charges Filed
Walker was charged with second-degree attempted robbery and second-degree menacing.
Police also charged him with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and unspecified violations of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law.
The police department did not announce Walker’s next court appearance or provide additional information about the circumstances leading up to the alleged demand for money.
What charges does Alexander Walker face?
Walker faces attempted robbery, menacing and two criminal possession of a weapon counts, along with vehicle and traffic violations, according to Utica police.
The charges are accusations. Walker is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources: City of Utica Police Department, Sept. 1 arrest announcement
