UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Police are investigating a stabbing in Utica that left one person dead in the early morning of Wednesday, July 26.

Police were called to the Historical Park Apartments at 100 Rutger Street in the city early Wednesday morning. When they arrived, officers say they found a victim with a significant stab wound to their midsection. The victim – whose name is not being released pending notification of next of kin — was immediately transported to a local hospital, where life-saving measures were undertaken. Unfortunately, the victim died soon thereafter.

The investigation is ongoing and has been assigned to the Utica Police’s Major Crimes Unit. Police are asking for anyone with any information to contact the Utica Police Department at 315-223-3556. They are also encouraged to leave an anonymous tip through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at their website, mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com. You can also call Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at 1-866-730-8477 or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

UPDATE (1:45 PM — July 26, 2023) — According to Utica Police, the victim in the stabbing has been identified at 27-year-old Anthony Johnson of Utica. We will provide more information into the incident as it becomes available.

UPDATE (9:00 AM — July 27, 2023) — According to Utica Police, a suspect from yesterday’s stabbing has been identified and arrested.

Police say that 32-year-old Sakwaun Hakes of Utica was allegedly involved in an argument with the victim — 27-year-old Anthony Johnson of Utica — when Hakes allegedly stabbed Johnson. Johnson was rushed to a local hospital, where he eventually died from his wounds.

Hakes was charged with second-degree Murder, a Class A-I felony, and third-degree Criminal Possession of A Weapon, a Class D Felony.

The investigation remains ongoing.