UTICA — A 22-year-old Utica man was arrested Monday following a violent stabbing spree that left two people injured at a convenience store on Bleecker Street.
Daniel Namutereza was taken into custody by members of the NY/NJ Marshall’s Regional Task Force after being identified as the suspect in the May 4 attacks.
According to police, officers responded to the 600 block of Bleecker Street at approximately 4:55 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, witnesses told police that an unknown male wearing a dark sweat suit had attempted to make a large purchase at the convenience store, which was declined on his credit card.
The suspect then made a smaller purchase before arguing with the store clerk over the transactions.
During the argument, the man brandished a knife and stabbed the clerk in the face, causing a large laceration.
After exiting the store, the suspect approached a pedestrian on the sidewalk and, without provocation, stabbed the person in the chest before fleeing on foot.
Later that evening, police received another call about a similarly described male threatening patrons with a knife in the North Utica plaza before fleeing again.
Namutereza has been charged with attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
Police officials indicated that additional charges are likely as more information surfaces.
