Utica Man Arrested After Firing Rifle Toward Juveniles in West Utica Neighborhood

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Utica, NY — On Thursday, May 8, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Utica Police responded to the area of Mathews Avenue and Caroline Street following a report of shots fired.

Upon arrival, officers were informed that a male suspect had fired a round from a long gun toward a group of juveniles before retreating into a nearby residence. Police immediately established a perimeter around the home and successfully negotiated for the suspect to exit without incident.

The suspect, later identified as James Rydzeski, 37, of Utica, was detained at the scene as the investigation continued.

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Officers obtained a search waiver for the residence, and during their search, located a .22 caliber long rifle believed to have been used in the incident.

Following the investigation, Rydzeski was transported to the Utica Police Department and charged with the following:

▪︎ Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (4 counts)

▪︎ Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree

Additionally, the department’s Crisis Intervention Unit issued an Emergency Risk Protection Order against Rydzeski.