UTICA, NY — A 21-year-old Utica man was taken into custody Thursday morning after a prolonged SWAT standoff that began when he allegedly threatened a maintenance worker with a long gun and shouted racial slurs, police said.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, Utica Police responded to 1013 West Street following a report of a menacing complaint involving a firearm. A contractor for the apartment complex told officers he approached a tenant to request that he lower loud music when the man became verbally aggressive.
According to the victim, the tenant yelled racial slurs and returned to his apartment. Moments later, the same individual emerged with what appeared to be a long gun held across his chest and turned toward the victim, prompting the worker to flee the scene and contact 911.
When officers arrived, they surrounded the apartment and attempted to engage with the suspect, later identified as Michael Fratangelo. Police said Fratangelo refused to communicate but was seen inside the unit still armed.
Due to the armed threat and refusal to cooperate, METRO SWAT was called in. Officers attempted negotiations over several hours and deployed CS gas and less-lethal tactics, though these initially failed to end the standoff.
Key Points
- Michael Fratangelo, 21, was arrested after a 13-hour armed standoff in Utica.
- Police say he pointed a long gun at a maintenance worker after shouting racial slurs.
- SWAT deployed CS gas and drones before Fratangelo surrendered without incident.
Authorities monitored armed suspect through night with drone surveillance
With assistance from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office drone team, police monitored Fratangelo’s movements inside the apartment throughout the night, ensuring safety for both officers and nearby residents.
Around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, more than 13 hours after the incident began, Fratangelo exited the residence and surrendered to police without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Authorities have not yet announced the formal charges filed against Fratangelo, but police confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
