Early Morning Stabbing Near Kennedy Plaza Leads to Arrest

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UTICA, NY — Just before 6 a.m. on July 17th, Utica Police responded to Wynn Hospital where a stabbing victim had walked in seeking help. The victim told officers that while waiting to pick up a co-worker outside the Kennedy Plaza Apartments, a man approached him asking for cigarettes and money. When the victim refused, the encounter quickly turned hostile.

According to the victim, the suspect became aggressive, sparking a physical fight. During the struggle, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the chest before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were non-life threatening, and he sought medical attention immediately.

The Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division took over the case. Two days later, 52-year-old Israel Crespo was charged with assault in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.