Ilion Man Arrested After Investigation Reveals Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

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UTICA, NY — What began as a shooting investigation took an unexpected turn when Utica Police discovered that the victim in a May incident had actually shot himself.

On May 17, 2025, police were called after a man was found with a gunshot wound to the leg. The case was handed over to the Major Crimes Unit, and investigators soon determined the injury was self-inflicted while the man was sitting inside a vehicle.

Following weeks of investigation, police arrested 39-year-old Dwayne Russell of Ilion on June 24. He is now facing serious charges, including:

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree

• Criminal Possession of a Firearm

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