UTICA, N.Y. (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – The Utica Police Department has reported that a man has been given multiple felony charges after allegedly using a screwdriver to rape a woman in an apartment building on December 21^st.

According to police, around 4:00 pm on Wednesday, officers received information regarding a sex crime investigation that occurred on the 600 blocks of Bleecker Street. The victim claimed while she was walking, a man who would later be identified as 36-year-old Don Williams of Utica, allegedly “grabbed her and forced her into a nearby apartment building.” 

The victim continued, saying Williams allegedly put a “screwdriver” against her neck and forced her to “perform sexual acts against her will.” The victim says that Williams eventually freed her. She then immediately contacted the police and gave them a description of Williams and told them the location of the apartment.

Using the information provided by the victim, an investigator with UPD’s Sex Offender Registration Unit allegedly recognized Williams under his supervision as an active Level 2 offender. Using a “photo array” the victim was allegedly able to identify Williams as the man who assaulted her immediately.

Utica Police Patrol and CID units immediately attempted to locate Williams but were unsuccessful. Later, around 2:00 am he turned himself into authorities without incident.

Don Williams, age 36 of Utica has been arrested and charged with the following:

• Rape in the First Degree
• Strangulation in the Second Degree
• Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree