On May 2nd, 2026 at approximately 6:30PM a uniform Deputy Sheriff working in conjunction with members of the Utica Police Department’s Tactical Unit, conducted a citizen stop of two parties relative to suspicious activities on Chestnut Street in the City of Utica.
Upon speaking with one of the parties, the officers were informed that this individual was in possession of a flare gun, and the item was secured. As the law enforcement contingent was attempting to speak with the second individual, this party began to struggle with the officers, and as this was occurring a flare gun discharged causing significant burns to the Deputy as well as one of the young males that was stopped.
Law enforcement was ultimately able to detain the second party and another flare gun was located.
One Deputy suffered burns to his neck and hands, while the male suspect suffered burns to his back. Ultimately both sought treatment at Wynn Hospital for these injuries. Due to the nature of the injuries, the Deputy was transferred to Upstate Medical Center and was released in the morning on May 3rd.
Through the encounter it was learned that the stopped parties were juveniles and they were released to their care of their guardians.
The investigation is still on-going and any updates will be release as available.
Possession of these types of items have the potential for very serious consequences and we urge parents to be diligent in ensuring that youth do not own or possess these incendiary devices.
