Churchill Ave Traffic Stop Leads to Meth Bust and Two Arrests

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UTICA, NY — Just before 11:00 PM on July 23, 2025, Utica Police officers with the Crime Prevention Unit pulled over a vehicle on Churchill Avenue for violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

During the stop, officers learned the driver had a suspended license, and the passenger had an active warrant with the Utica Police Department. Both were taken into custody on the spot.

While searching the driver, Chad Prosser, 48, of Utica, officers found a narcotics smoking device. But the real discovery came during the search of the passenger, Jeffrey Blanchard, 43, also of Utica, when officers found over 100 grams of methamphetamine on him.

Due to the large quantity of drugs, a Special Investigations Unit investigator was called in to assist.

By the end of the investigation, charges included:

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Chad Prosser (Driver):

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon (7th Degree)

• Aggravated Unlicensed Operation

• Multiple NYS Vehicle & Traffic Violations

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Jeffrey Blanchard (Passenger):

• Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (2nd Degree)