12-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in Utica Shooting Incident

UTICA, NY — A recent shots-fired investigation in Utica took a startling turn when police discovered the suspected shooter was just 12 years old.

On May 31st, 2025, Utica Police responded to the 900 block of Stark Street after a ShotSpotter alert detected multiple gunshots. Officers arrived to find several shell casings scattered at the scene, but no victims.

The case was quickly handed over to investigators with the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. Using surveillance footage and other evidence, detectives were able to identify the suspect and were shocked to learn he was only 12 years old.

To make matters worse, the child already had an outstanding Oneida County Family Court warrant.

On June 30th, Utica Police and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Warrants Unit located the juvenile and took him into custody without incident.

He has since been charged with:

• Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Due to his age, the suspect’s name is not being released.