UTICA — A 39-year-old Utica man died and a police officer was injured during confrontations with crowds following a shooting July 4 at 10:40 p.m. near James Street and Howard Avenue.
Police and fire units responding to reports of a gunshot victim found the wounded man surrounded by a large group of people who physically impeded first responders attempting to provide aid, according to the Utica Police Department.
A Utica police officer was injured during the confrontation and transported to Wynn Hospital.
The shooting victim was eventually loaded into a fire department ambulance and taken to Wynn Hospital, where he died from his injuries despite lifesaving efforts by emergency room staff.
The victim’s identity will not be released until consultation with his family, police said.
A second gunshot victim was transported to the hospital by private vehicle with a non-life-threatening leg wound from the same location.
Five people were arrested on various charges after physical altercations broke out during the initial investigation at James Street and Seymour Avenue.
Additional fights erupted at Wynn Hospital, prompting a large police response before normal operations resumed.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police assisted in restoring order.
The Major Crimes Unit is investigating the shootings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Utica Police at (315) 223-3556 or submit anonymous tips through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, 1-866-730-8477 or the P3 Tips mobile app.
