Utica teenager arrested after two burglaries

UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — A Utica teen is facing burglary charges after allegedly committing two burglaries in the city over the past two days, according to Utica police.

Utica Police responded to the 2200 block of Whitesboro Street around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24. Upon arrival, they encountered the caller, who reported that a man on a green bicycle was attempting to break into the building. The caller also noted that another burglary had occurred there on Sunday, June 23.

During this break-in, the suspect – later identified as a 16-year-old youth – is said to have set fire to the building and damaged it.

When officers arrived at the scene of Monday’s break-in, they noticed the same green bike leaning against the building. They searched the exterior of the building to see if anyone had broken in. As officers continued the search, they found the juvenile attempting to hide on the side of the building.

Officers then arrested the juvenile without further incident and took him to the Utica Police Department, where a child welfare investigator took over his case.

The youth was charged with the following for both burglaries:

• two counts of third-degree burglary – a class D felony – from both incidents,
• Third-degree arson – a Class C felony – from the incident on Sunday, June 23, and
• Fourth-degree criminal damage – a Class A misdemeanor – stemming from the incident on Monday, June 24.