UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – Utica Police have released the name of the victim in the fatal shooting on Varick St. Saturday night. according to Utica Police, Kwame Smith was shot in the abdomen and despite a quick response by emergency crews, Smith passed away at Wynn Hospital just a few blocks from where he was shot.

Police say that they know there were witnesses to the shooting and are asking for help in gathering information about the incident.

Shortly before midnight Saturday, police were called to Varick St for a shooting that occurred near the corner of Varick St and Cooper St. They found a man with a gun shot wound to the abdomen. The victim was transported a few blocks to Wynn Hospital, where he passed away.

Based on their quick response to the scene and follow up investigation, police are aware that there were dozens of people who witnessed the shooting. The Utica Police Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident and are asking for anyone who was a witness to call the police at 315-223-3556.