Utica fight leaves two hospitalized as domestic feud erupts into violence

Utica, NY – A bitter domestic dispute turned into a violent street fight Wednesday morning on Jay Street, sending two men and a woman to the hospital and leading to a stack of criminal charges.

Police said the fight broke out around 10:10 a.m. between Elijah Mitchell, 31, and Duane Floyd, 40, both of Utica. Investigators determined the clash was fueled by ongoing domestic issues dating back to a previous incident in August.

During Wednesday’s confrontation, Floyd allegedly slammed Mitchell to the ground, choking him until he lost consciousness, then kicked and punched him repeatedly. Mitchell’s girlfriend tried to shield him but was also struck multiple times, officials said.

The fight follows an earlier dispute on Aug. 11 involving Mitchell, Floyd, and the mother of Mitchell’s children. During that argument, police said Mitchell swung a bat at Floyd and the woman, then chased them as they fled in a vehicle. Mitchell allegedly smashed a window of the car while the children were inside. Warrants were issued at the time, but he was not present when officers arrived.

All parties were treated at a local hospital and released later Wednesday. Police said both men now face charges.

Floyd has been charged with strangulation in the second degree, assault in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree.

Mitchell was charged on outstanding warrants, including menacing in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Key Points

Fight on Jay Street stemmed from ongoing domestic dispute involving Elijah Mitchell and Duane Floyd.
Floyd allegedly choked Mitchell unconscious and assaulted him; Mitchell’s girlfriend was also hit.
Mitchell faces prior warrants tied to an August incident involving children inside a vehicle.

A domestic feud exploded into violence and ended with both men in handcuffs.

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