UTICA, NY — Three juveniles have been charged with burglary and criminal tampering after allegedly breaking into a vacant apartment and discharging a fire extinguisher, causing significant damage.
Utica Police units were dispatched to the Michael Walsh Apartments on Gray Avenue at approximately 6:15 p.m. on May 15, 2026, regarding several juveniles who had entered a vacant apartment.
The juveniles discharged a fire extinguisher into the apartment and hallway, resulting in significant damage and cleaning costs to the building.
Police learned the group of juveniles had been involved in multiple incidents at the complex and had no legal right to be there as none of them reside in the apartments.
The investigation was assigned to a member of the Juvenile Aid Unit.
During the investigation, police learned the same group was stopped a few days after the incident for causing additional issues with tenants at the apartments.
All were identified at that time and released to the care of guardians.
Based on the identification and review of surveillance footage, positive identifications were made of the group causing the damage on May 15.
Three juveniles, ages 13, 14 and 14, were charged with burglary in the third degree and criminal tampering in the third degree.
