Utica, NY — A violent attack involving seven suspects led to multiple juvenile robbery charges after a group allegedly assaulted a man, chased him down, and stole his e-bike on a Utica street, according to the Utica Police Department.
The robbery occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in the 500 block of Nichols Street. Following a multi-agency investigation that included surveillance video review and crime analysis support, investigators identified all seven individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
Victim Assaulted Twice During Robbery
According to Utica police, officers responded to Nichols Street after receiving a report of a robbery.
The victim told investigators he was approached by a group of males who began fighting with him while attempting to take his e-bike. Police said the victim initially tried to escape, but members of the group chased him down and launched a second violent assault.
During the encounter, the e-bike was stolen and ridden away by members of the group, according to investigators.
Surveillance Footage Helped Identify Suspects
Because most of the suspects were believed to be juveniles, the case was assigned to an investigator with the Utica Police Department’s Juvenile Aid Unit.
Investigators conducted an extensive review of multiple surveillance cameras and were able to locate all of the suspects on video.
The investigation also involved assistance from the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center, Utica Police Department officers, and Oneida County Probation Officers.
Authorities said those efforts ultimately led to the identification of all seven suspects allegedly connected to the robbery.
Key Points
• A man was assaulted and robbed of his e-bike on Nichols Street in Utica on May 12.
• Investigators identified seven suspects through surveillance footage and a multi-agency investigation.
• Six juveniles have been charged with second-degree robbery, while an 18-year-old suspect remains outstanding.
Six Juveniles Charged
Utica police announced that six juvenile suspects have been charged with second-degree robbery.
Those charged include:
- Two 17-year-old males
- One 16-year-old male
- Two 15-year-old males
- One 14-year-old male
The department did not release the names of the juveniles because of their ages.
Police said a seventh suspect, an 18-year-old male, has not yet been charged but will be publicly identified upon arrest.
Serious Charges in Group Robbery Case
Under New York law, second-degree robbery is a felony offense that can carry significant penalties and generally involves forcibly stealing property while acting with others or causing physical injury during the crime.
The allegations in this case center on a coordinated attack in which multiple suspects allegedly confronted the victim, pursued him after he attempted to flee, and then stole his e-bike.
While police have not released additional information regarding the victim’s injuries, investigators described the assaults as violent.
The case highlights the growing role of surveillance technology and collaborative law enforcement efforts in identifying suspects involved in street crimes. Investigators relied on multiple camera systems and assistance from regional crime analysts to piece together the events and identify each individual allegedly involved.
Current Status: Six juvenile suspects have been charged with second-degree robbery. Police say an 18-year-old male believed to be involved has not yet been charged and will be identified once he is arrested.