14-Year-Old Charged After Armed E-Bike Robbery in Utica, NY

UTICA, NY — The Utica Police Department is investigating an armed robbery involving a juvenile victim and several masked juveniles, after officers recovered a loaded handgun during the investigation on September 16.

According to Utica Police, at approximately 4:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Sunset Avenue for a reported robbery.

Police said a juvenile male was at the location when he was approached by several other juveniles wearing masks and dark clothing. The victim reported that one of the males brandished a handgun and ordered him not to move, while another member of the group stole his e-bike.

As investigators began reviewing surveillance footage and conducting real-time monitoring of available systems, members of the Utica Police GIVE Unit observed a group matching the description of the suspects on Noyes Street near Schuyler Street.

Investigators notified patrol units, who attempted to stop the group.

According to police, when a supervisor attempted to conduct the stop, all members of the group fled on foot. Officers were able to detain two individuals in a rear yard on Walnut Street.

During a frisk of the two individuals, officers located a loaded .40-caliber handgun on one of them. Police said the individual was subsequently determined to be a 14-year-old juvenile. The firearm was secured.

Other members of the group were also apprehended, detained and identified, according to police.

14-Year-Old Charged

At the conclusion of the initial investigation, the 14-year-old juvenile was charged with:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, involving an extended magazine

Police said the juvenile was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Oneida County Family Court/Probation and was released into the care of a guardian.

The investigation into the reported robbery remains ongoing, and police said additional arrests are expected.

Handgun Linked to Other Investigations

Utica Police also said investigators believe the recovered handgun may have been involved in multiple shots-fired incidents reported over the past several weeks. Police said that information is still awaiting confirmation and that those investigations remain active and ongoing.

Because the investigation is continuing, additional charges and arrests may follow.

This article is based on information provided by the Utica Police Department. The charges described are allegations, and individuals accused of crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.