UTICA, NY — A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges after police say he resisted arrest and was found with a loaded handgun during a shots fired investigation.
Utica Police units were dispatched to the 1500 block of Dudley Avenue at approximately 10 p.m. on June 17, 2026, regarding a shots fired investigation.
Officers assigned to the Tactical Unit were conducting an area check for possible suspects near Arthur Street and Seymour Avenue when they encountered three males and conducted a citizen stop.
During the stop, officers noticed what appeared to be a heavy bulge in the pocket of one of the males.
Officers conducted a pat frisk and felt what appeared to be a handgun, then attempted to detain the male.
The male actively and aggressively began to fight with officers, requiring the deployment of a Taser to place him in handcuffs, police said.
Officers secured the weapon, which was identified as a loaded 9mm handgun.
Lemeeke Lester, 21, of Utica, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for a defaced weapon and high capacity magazine, criminal possession of a firearm, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.
The investigation into the original shots fired call remains under investigation and has been assigned to the GIVE Unit.
