Search Results for: Utica Police Department

Two arrested in Utica following narcotics investigation

Utica, NY A traffic stop on Oneida Street led to the arrest of two individuals on drug-related charges. The stop occurred on Thursday at approximately 9:40 PM amid ongoing complaints of narcotics activity in the Oneida Square area.

During the stop, officers discovered that a female passenger had an outstanding warrant, prompting her arrest. A subsequent search revealed suspected narcotics in her possession.

The driver, 67-year-old John Martarello of New Berlin, was asked to exit the vehicle, leading to a search that yielded a significant quantity of suspected cocaine. He was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department.

Both Martarello and the female passenger, 47-year-old Noel Cianni-Bushnell of Utica, face multiple charges related to the incident. Martarello was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and the seventh degree, in addition to vehicle and traffic law violations.

Cianni-Bushnell is charged with having a warrant for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and also criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Robbery suspect arrested after police surveillance

Utica, NY Police units responded to a robbery at a convenience store on Mohawk St and Eagle St on November 28 at about 10:30 PM. The store employee reported that a male entered, displayed a handgun, and demanded cash and merchandise.

The suspect fled after receiving the items. The Criminal Investigations Division reviewed surveillance footage and canvassed the neighborhood to find a suspect vehicle and its registration.

On November 29, police monitored the suspect’s residence. When the suspect left his house, police conducted a traffic stop with the help of UPD Patrol.

The suspect, identified as Joseph Ruffule, 58, was detained and taken to the Utica Police Department. A search of his residence uncovered the weapon used in the robbery, which turned out to be a BB gun pistol, as well as an AR-15 style rifle.

Ruffule is charged with robbery in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.