UTICA, NY — Police officers conducting a saturation patrol made a citizen stop on the 1600 block of Oneida Street on Wednesday evening. The officers, part of the Crime Prevention Unit, were assisted by Oneida County Sheriff Deputies and New York State Police personnel.
While engaging with two males, an officer noticed one provided false identifying information. When attempts were made to detain the male, he struggled with officers before being handcuffed.
Once detained, the male was positively identified as 37-year-old Samuel Crippen, who had a felony robbery warrant from the NYPD. A search of Crippen following his arrest led to the discovery of several corner knotted baggies containing a substance believed to be cocaine.
The contraband was seized, and Crippen was transported to the Utica Police Department for processing. Following the investigation, detectives from the Special Investigations Unit returned for charging purposes.
Crippen was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree, and his outstanding robbery warrant.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Utica Police Department.
A man is behind bars facing charges after trying to mislead police during a stop.