UTICA, NY — A woman was arrested on weapons charges after police discovered a loaded handgun during a property inventory June 30, 2026.
Utica Police officers assigned to the Tactical Unit, working with Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies and New York State Police troopers, were conducting hot spot patrols related to recent gun violence at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Officers observed an individual they knew had an outstanding warrant and approached her.
The woman was advised of the warrant and taken into custody.
While being arrested, she repeatedly attempted to give a shoulder bag she was wearing to another person, but officers prevented her from doing so.
The bag was transported separately to the Utica Police Department.
During a property inventory conducted as part of the booking process, officers found a loaded .40 caliber handgun in the bag.
Monique Johnson, 19, of Utica, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for a high capacity magazine, and criminal possession of a firearm, in addition to the outstanding criminal mischief warrant.
