Dramatic utica incident leads to arrest after multi-agency manhunt
Photo 82433679 © Jinyoung Lee | Dreamstime.com

Dramatic Utica Incident Leads to Arrest after Multi-Agency Manhunt

April 13, 2024

UTICA, NY – A high-stakes confrontation on March 28th led to the arrest of 30-year-old Aaron Dockery of Utica, following his involvement in a series of dangerous events that ended with police and other authorities on a vigorous chase. The Utica Police Department released details of the incident and subsequent arrest.

At approximately 11:15 PM, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Lenox Avenue following reports of an argument involving a handgun. Witnesses reported that Dockery, inside a vehicle, had brandished a handgun and threatened another individual. Police were given a description of the vehicle and the direction in which it fled.

Shortly after, officers located the vehicle in a nearby driveway. When they approached and issued verbal commands, Dockery allegedly ignored them, reversed the vehicle towards the officers, and subsequently struck two patrol cars, causing extensive damage and injuries to an officer.

Dockery then drove at several other officers, forcing them to take evasive action, before fleeing the scene. The pursuit was later discontinued due to the extreme danger posed by Dockery’s driving. The vehicle was eventually found abandoned near First St and Elizabeth St. A search uncovered a significant quantity of suspected cocaine and .38 caliber ammunition.

Surveillance footage from the area later showed Dockery disposing of a handgun onto a nearby building’s roof, which was retrieved with the help of the Utica Fire Department. The firearm was confirmed to be loaded.

Following the incidents, the U.S. Marshals NY/NJ Fugitive Task Force joined the search. Dockery was apprehended days later by Freeport, NY Police on unrelated traffic violations. Due to medical issues, he was hospitalized before being returned to Utica Police custody.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.