Utica

Utica Police Seize Drugs and Firearms in Oneida Square

Utica Police Seize Drugs and Firearms in Oneida Square

**Utica, NY** – On Tuesday, the Utica Police Department Special Investigations Unit conducted a search related to cocaine distribution in the Oneida Square area. The operation, supported by UPD Patrol and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, occurred on April 1st, 2025, at 1316 ½ Oneida Street.

The search resulted in significant findings, including 180.7 grams of cocaine, a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, digital scales, packaging materials, and $2,100 in assorted U.S. currency. These discoveries led to various charges against the suspect.

Donald Williams, 44, of Utica, was the investigation’s primary target. He faces charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in both the second and third degrees, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree due to a prior conviction and the extended magazine.

Additionally, Williams was charged with criminal possession of a firearm and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. The investigation is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat

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 Shooting Suspect Arrested in Connection with 2023 Incident

Utica Police Department, NY - File Photo

Utica Shooting Suspect Arrested in Connection with 2023 Incident

**Utica, NY** – The NY/NJ US Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from Oneida County Sheriff’s Road Patrol and Utica Police Patrol units, apprehended Amhiz Hall on March 21st. Hall, 26, was arrested in connection with an indictment related to a shooting incident on July 16th, 2023, on Elm Street.

The July 2023 shooting involved two individuals, aged 17 and 19 at the time, who sustained non-fatal injuries from the gunfire. The Utica Police Department Major Crimes Unit, in collaboration with the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, investigated the case leading to the recent indictment by the Oneida County Grand Jury.

Hall has been charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Following the arrest, Hall will be transported to the Oneida County Jail as the case moves forward in the Oneida County Court process.

No further details about the case proceedings or the upcoming court dates have been disclosed at this time.

Utica Police Arrest Suspect Following Menacing Incident

Utica Police Arrest Suspect Following Menacing Incident

**UTICA, NY** – On March 20th at approximately 6:45 PM, Utica Police responded to a report of a menacing incident on the 900 block of Schuyler Street.

Upon arrival, police spoke with individuals who reported a familiar male had displayed violent behavior outside a residence. The suspect left the scene but soon returned wielding a large knife, threatening the parties involved.

The victims retreated into their home and secured the door, but the suspect attempted to break in by smashing glass windows. Afterward, he left and entered a nearby residence where officers subsequently located him.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Somxay Sysamouth of Utica, was taken into custody without incident. A meat cleaver style knife was recovered as the weapon used in the alleged offense. Sysamouth faces charges including two counts of menacing in the second degree, criminal mischief in the fourth degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.

Utica Police Charge Man with Drug Possession

Utica Police Charge Man with Drug Possession

**UTICA, NY** – On February 28th at approximately 8:10 PM, officers from the Utica Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit conducted a vehicle stop on Genesee Street near Bank Place for traffic violations under New York State laws.

During the stop, officers observed a corner knotted baggie on the passenger side floorboard, containing a substance appearing to be cocaine. The occupants were asked to exit the vehicle, and upon searching one of the passengers, identified as Tremayne Rigsbee, 47, additional baggies were found on his person.

Rigsbee was taken into custody and transported to the Utica Police Department. There, it was confirmed that the amount of narcotics found was at a felony level.

An investigator from the Special Investigations Unit charged Rigsbee with third-degree and seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Utica Police Arrest Local Man for Drug Possession

Utica Police Arrest Local Man for Drug Possession

**UTICA, NY** – On Sunday at approximately 11:00 PM, officers from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Utica Police Department stopped several individuals on the 900 block of Oswego St.

During the stop, officers identified one individual with an outstanding warrant. This individual was taken into custody, and a search revealed a large quantity of suspected heroin in his possession.

The detainee, Angel Gonzalez, age 29, was transported to the Utica Police Department. An investigator from the Special Investigations Unit assessed the situation and confirmed the narcotics were at a felony level quantity.

Gonzalez has been charged with three counts: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree, fourth degree, and seventh degree.