UTICA, NY — A 15-year-old male was charged with criminal possession of a weapon after police found a high-capacity magazine during a traffic stop early Wednesday.
Officers with the Tactical Unit were conducting patrols in response to a recent increase in shots fired investigations when they stopped a vehicle at Steuben Street and Addington Place at approximately 2 a.m. for vehicle and traffic law violations.
During the stop, officers developed cause to ask passengers to exit the vehicle and conduct pat frisks.
Officers felt an object believed to be a handgun magazine tucked in one occupant’s pants.
When the occupant removed the item, it was determined to be a loaded 13-round magazine.
Officers then searched the vehicle and located a handgun under the front seat directly in front of where the juvenile had been seated.
All parties were detained and transported to the Utica Police Department.
At the station, officers attempted to test fire the handgun but determined it was inoperable.
The 15-year-old was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for the high-capacity magazine.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Oneida County Family Court/Probation and released to the care of a guardian.
Other juveniles in the vehicle were released to guardians without charges.
