purse

Stolen purse leads to showdown outside Utica convenience store

Suspect Charged in Utica Purse Theft

**Utica, NY** – On March 16th, Utica Police responded to a report of a stolen purse on the 1100 block of Schuyler St. The purse contained credit cards and other personal items.

During the investigation, authorities discovered the suspect attempted to use the victim’s identification at a convenience store to buy cigarettes. The store clerk did not complete the sale because the photo ID did not match the suspect.

This information was relayed to the victim, who informed the police. The Criminal Investigations Division took over, identifying the suspect. Later, the victim saw the suspect again near the store and retrieved some stolen property following an altercation.

On April 2nd, the suspect, Fonta Young, age 41, was apprehended and faces charges. These include two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, and Petit Larceny.

Utica Police Arrest Suspect in Wallet and Purse Theft

Utica Police Arrest Suspect in Wallet and Purse Theft

**UTICA, NY** – Utica Police Department received a report of a wallet and purse theft from a vehicle on Stark Street on November 24th, 2025. The case was investigated following reports of unauthorized use of the victim’s credit cards at multiple locations. Utica Police’s Criminal Investigations Division, with Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center and Patrol Division assistance, identified a suspect from surveillance footage.

Officers located 25-year-old Joel Rodriguez on Tuesday, taking him into the department for questioning. Rodriguez faces charges including two counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the fourth degree, two counts of Identity Theft in the second degree, and Petit Larceny.