Man charged with robbery in Utica

UTICA, NY — A 49-year-old man has been charged with robbery following an incident in the Oneida Square area.

Utica Police units were dispatched to the area at approximately 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, regarding a robbery investigation.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with a victim who stated that a male had approached him and asked the victim to buy a pack of cigarettes at the store.

When the victim refused, the suspect took the male’s wallet and punched the victim in the face.

A fight then ensued with the suspect eventually fleeing.

The investigation was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, and with the assistance of the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center and other officers’ positive identification of the suspect, a BOLO was placed for the suspect.

On Jan. 7, patrol officers located the suspect and took him into custody.

Michael Jordan, 49, of Utica, was charged with robbery in the third degree.