UTICA, NY — Utica Police detained four individuals related to a firearms investigation on Wager Street on Wednesday night. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 PM during proactive patrols by the Crime Prevention Unit.
Officers observed a vehicle with multiple occupants, prompting a stop for traffic violations. Upon approach, officers noticed a light/laser attachment for a handgun in plain view.
The occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, which led to a search of the interior. A loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun was discovered under the driver’s seat while a second loaded Taurus 9mm was found in the glove compartment.
All parties were transported to the Utica Police Department for further questioning. Due to the inability to determine ownership of the firearms, charges were filed against all four.
Neveah Baez, 21, of Rome, and Jesen Blackshear, 19, Michael Reed, 18, and Marcus Reed, 26, all from Utica, received multiple charges including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and possession of a firearm.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the stop were released. The situation remains under investigation.