UTICA, NY — A police officer was punched in the face while trying to break up a large fight on Jan. 12, 2026.
Multiple Utica Police units were dispatched to the area of Eagle Street and Greenview Drive at approximately 2:55 p.m. for a report of a large fight.
The first arriving officers witnessed several people kicking a female who was on the ground trying to protect herself.
As one officer pushed through the group to protect the victim, the officer was punched in the face by a member of the group.
Another officer attempted to grab the male and take him into custody, but the male shed some clothing and fled on foot.
Officers gave chase until the male entered onto a porch area.
Officers gave multiple commands for the male to allow himself to be taken into custody, but the male scaled a porch railing, jumped to the ground and fled again.
After another foot pursuit, the male was apprehended and taken into custody.
The suspect was determined to be 16 years old.
The juvenile was transported to the Utica Police Department and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Probation/Family Court for harassment in the second degree and resisting arrest.
Other officers and members of the Juvenile Aid Unit investigated the initial fight incident.
After all parties fled and were dispersed, officers spoke with the victim and obtained surveillance and cell phone video of the incident.
Investigators determined that a 14-year-old female was the initial and primary aggressor.
The female was charged with criminal nuisance in the second degree and issued an appearance ticket returnable to Probation/Family Court.
