Police - traffic enforcement with lights at scene
Police - Traffic Enforcement with lights at scene

Hatchet-wielding suspect arrested after Utica hotel confrontation

Yorkville man charged after allegedly wielding hatchet in Utica hotel dispute

UTICA, NY — A 44-year-old Yorkville man has been charged following an incident in which he allegedly threatened individuals with a hatchet during a confrontation at a local hotel, according to the Utica Police Department.


Key Points

  • Incident occurred March 29 at a Utica hotel during a follow-up to a prior altercation
  • Suspect reportedly threatened individuals in the parking lot with a hatchet
  • Brad Kohler, 44, of Yorkville was charged on April 14

Dispute escalates to weapon threat in hotel parking lot

Utica Police responded to a local hotel on March 29 after receiving a report of a property dispute connected to a previous physical altercation. While speaking with the complainants, officers learned that the same individual involved in the earlier fight had returned and initiated another argument.

During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly pulled out a hatchet and threatened the victims before leaving the area. Police quickly identified the suspect based on prior interactions.

Charges follow Criminal Investigations Division review

After a review by the Criminal Investigations Division, Brad Kohler was charged on April 14 with menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

He is currently facing prosecution in connection with the threatening incident.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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