UTICA, NY — A 16-year-old was arrested after police found a loaded ghost gun during a traffic stop on May 25, 2026.
The Utica Police Department’s GIVE Unit had been investigating shots fired calls on the 1500 blocks of Howard Avenue and Neilson Street over several days.
Investigators identified a suspect vehicle in one of the incidents and located it at approximately 7:15 p.m. on May 25.
Officers from the GIVE Unit and Tactical Unit conducted a motor vehicle stop.
While speaking with the occupants, officers noticed a male in the backseat making movements toward his jacket.
Officers observed what appeared to be a handgun protruding from the jacket.
The male was removed from the vehicle and officers secured a loaded 9mm ghost gun with a 27-round extended magazine.
The 16-year-old was detained and transported to the Utica Police Department.
The weapon was test fired and the casings were entered into the NIBIN system to determine if the weapon was used in earlier incidents.
The teen was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for the high capacity magazine, and criminal possession of a firearm.
His identity was not released due to his age.
