UTICA, NY – On Monday, at approximately 4:30PM, Utica Police units responded to the area near Howard Ave and Leah St following reports of shots fired.
Witnesses reported seeing several males in dark clothing and face masks running eastbound from the scene. A passerby later informed an officer that males matching the description were spotted running through backyards on Mortimer St approaching St. Vincent St.
Officers detained a 17-year-old male on Mortimer St wearing all black with a facemask. A frisk revealed a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband.
The teen, whose identity will not be released due to his age, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. The investigation into the shots fired incident is still ongoing and is being handled by the GIVE Unit. Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers.