Feb 63 min read

4 loaded handguns and six parties were detained as part of the shots fired and weapons possession-related offenses

On February 5th, 2024 at approximately 5:00PM Utica Police units were dispatched to the area of Mortimer St. and Neilson St regarding a shots fired investigation. While en route information was relayed that a black in color Dodge Charger was involved and witnessed fleeing from the scene at a high rate of speed.

A few blocks away Patrol units saw the vehicle and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, however, the vehicle fled and failed to comply with the officers. A pursuit was initiated, until Elm St and Elmwood Pl where it pulled over and a party fled from the vehicle on foot. One of the pursuing units immediately gave chase for several blocks as the party ran toward Oneida St. Soon thereafter the fleeing male was taken into custody.

As this was occurring, the Charger ultimately came to a stop on Oneida St near James St. Officers approached the vehicle and immediately noticed that there were bullet holes that struck the exterior of it, and while interviewing the driver noticed spent shell casings within the vehicle. The operator was then removed from the vehicle and detained for further investigation.

While conducting the investigation into this vehicle, another vehicle that had stopped along with the Charger became the focus of officers as they noticed several juveniles whom they were familiar with due to recent acts of gun violence, as well as one who had an outstanding warrant, seated within.

They requested the male with the warrant from the vehicle, and upon searching him incident to the arrest, the officers located a loaded .40 caliber ghost gun in his possession. The officers further noticed that the other passengers were acting uncommonly nervous, and were hiding their hands within their pockets. Requests were made on multiple occasions for the occupants to show their hands and stop their movements, however, all failed to comply and thus were requested from the vehicle. While removing one of the juveniles, the officers noticed that he was in possession of an extended handgun magazine, and the officers attempted to take him into custody. This party then began to actively fight with the officers, and after a brief struggle was taken into custody.

While removing another party and frisking him, the officers located an additional loaded .40 caliber ghost gun in his possession. Furthermore, this 15-year-old had just been arrested in January of 2024 with a loaded handgun in a separate incident.

An additional male was then removed from the vehicle and immediately began to fight with the officers. Eventually, they were able to detain him, and while walking him to an awaiting Patrol car, this juvenile kicked the door of a supervisor's vehicle causing significant damage to it. Furthermore, at the station, this juvenile kicked the door to the Juvenile Aid Office causing further damage, made multiple threats of harm to officers, and threatened to return and shoot the Police Station.

While still on scene and continuing the investigation into the shots fired, vehicle, and foot pursuit, the officers then began to retrace the steps of the pursuit and obtain video surveillance. While watching the footage, the officers noticed that the male running had thrown an object onto the roof of the old Save a Lot grocery store on Oneida St. Upon obtaining a ladder the officers then located a loaded .32 caliber handgun that was discarded.

All parties were transported to the Utica Police Department for charging and investigative purposes. Through this investigation, an additional loaded .45 caliber loaded handgun was obtained.

In total 4 loaded handguns and six parties were detained as part of the shots fired and weapons possession-related offenses. Below is the listing of charges and post-charging status of the parties:

Altino Love age 19 of Utica (party fled on foot from Charger):

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree

Criminal of a Weapon in the third degree (defaced)

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Obstructing Governmental Administration

***Held at OCJ***

15-year-old juvenile, name withheld due to age (Prior firearm arrest in January 2024)

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

***Released at UPD to the care of a guardian***

15-year-old juvenile, name withheld due to age

Obstructing Governmental Administration