Utica, NY – On Wednesday evening, Utica Police Officers from the Crime Prevention Unit initiated a traffic stop on Lincoln Ave near Sunset Ave due to violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws (NYSV&TL).

The vehicle’s occupants exhibited suspicious behavior and made furtive movements, prompting officers to request them to exit the vehicle for further investigation. During this process, one individual, identified as 20-year-old Jamal Dinh of Utica, began issuing threats towards an officer, referencing a prior encounter. Dinh claimed to have researched the officer on social media, knew the officer’s family, and threatened to harm them.

The situation escalated when Dinh appeared to reach for a concealed weapon in his waistband, leading to a brief struggle before officers successfully handcuffed him. Dinh was subsequently transported to the Utica Police Department.

After consultation, Dinh faces charges including Making a Terroristic Threat, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree, and additional NYSV&TL violations.