Two Charged Following Early-Morning Smoke Shop Burglary in Rome NY

ROME, N.Y. — Authorities say two individuals were arrested early Sunday morning following a burglary at a local smoke shop, amid an ongoing investigation into a series of similar crimes across the region.

According to the Rome Police Department, officers and neighboring law enforcement agencies have responded to numerous burglaries targeting smoke shops throughout the area during the month of April.

On April 27, 2026, at approximately 4:02 a.m., Rome police patrol units were dispatched to an alarm activation at New Yorker’s Smoke Shop. Several minutes after the alarm was triggered, officers observed a vehicle matching the suspect description traveling on South James Street. A traffic stop was initiated, and two males were detained.

Both individuals were transported to Rome Police Headquarters, where an investigation was conducted by the department’s detective division and juvenile aid division. As a result of that investigation, Damian D. Bergman, 19, of Whitesboro, and a 17-year-old juvenile male were charged with burglary in the third degree.

Bergman was processed and held for arraignment in Rome City Court. The juvenile was transported to Oneida County Court Youth Part in Utica for arraignment.

Police say investigations into additional smoke shop burglaries remain ongoing, and further charges may be filed as the cases develop. Authorities are asking business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.