UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A Utica man faces numerous charges — with the possibility of more forthcoming — after allegedly threatening to harm Utica Police officers with a gun while resisting arrest on Wednesday, October 11.
Officers were on South Street near Genesee Street at approximately 6:10 pm on Wednesday when they attempted to stop a vehicle. When they approached the vehicle and attempted to speak with the occupants, the vehicle sped away. Due to the speed of the vehicle and conditions of the escape, officers ended the pursuit for public safety.
Several minutes later, officers located the vehicle on the 1100 block of St. Vincent Street. When the passenger — 23-year-old Robert Bradley of Utica — was approached by police, Bradley allegedly began running. Police also noticed that Bradley was in possession of a handgun and began chasing him into a rear yard. Bradley then fell while running, and while attempting to regain his footing, officers caught up to him and attempted to place him into custody.
In the struggle, Bradley allegedly made statements that he was not going to be detained and was going to harm the officers. Bradley then began to place his finger on the trigger in an attempt to fire the handgun, at which point an officer was able to place his finger on the trigger to prevent Bradley from firing.
At that point, Bradley allegedly began to bite the officer’s hand in an attempt to gain control of his weapon. According to officers, while this occurred, another female exited a nearby building and attempted to aid Bradley. The female was repeatedly told to back away but refused and allegedly continued to aid Bradley while he fought with officers.
More patrol officers arrived on the scene and were able to remove the female from the area, then assisted the officers in subduing Bradley. Eventually the officers on the scene were able to secure the weapon and restrain Bradley.
Further investigation found that Bradley was in possession of a large quantity of narcotics which, according to police, included cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. He was subsequently transported to the Utica Police Department.
Bradley faces a number of charges:
- Second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class C Violent Felony
- Third-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, a Class D Violent Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E Felony
- two counts of Menacing a Police Officer, a Class D Violent Felony
- Second-degree Assault, a Class D Violent Felony
- Resisting Arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor,
- five different counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, all Class B Felonies. Three of those charges were for weight of the drug possessed, the other two were with a designation of Intent to Sell. The drugs specified by police in the charges were cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine.
- three counts of seventh-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class A Misdemeanor.
According to police, additional charges against Bradley may be forthcoming, pending a consultation with the District Attorney’s office.
Additionally, the Utica Police Department is looking for information into the female who exited the residence and attempted to help Bradley elude arrest. The female — whose name is unknown — fled the scene when officers were required to assist with Bradley’s arrest. If anyone has any information about the identity of the female, they are asked to contact the Utica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 315-223-3510.
