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Police Blotter (Crime News) of Utica |
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Not even 24 hours had passed since Joshua Thompson, 17, was found lying in the street, when Utica Police announced they had made arrests in his murder.
"Yes, that is our job. We know that and we take this job. Due to their dedication and their willingness to not let this crime go unsolved we were able to successfully solve it in less than 16 hours of the incident," said Public Safety Commissioner Daniel LaBella.
Monday night Thompson was found in the 1500 block of Brinckerhoff Avenue with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police say this was a robbery involving drugs that took a tragic turn. Tuesday afternoon Anthony Ruffin, 15, was arrested and charged with murder and attempted robbery. Timothy Cubbage, 19, was also charged with possession of a weapon in the second degree. Also arrested was Harold Jones, 15. He's charged with murder and attempted robbery. The three were arraigned in City Court.
"I'd like to extend my sympathy to the victim and the victim's family and friends. He was a very young individual. He had a whole life ahead of him and it's a terrible tragedy," said LaBella.
His mom and other family members were in court for the arraignment. She didn't want to go on-camera but said Thompson was a good kid and spent Valentine's Day with his girlfriend. One Brinckerhoff Avenue resident was shocked to see all the activity on his street Monday night.
"Nothing like this ever happens around here, never. This is a quiet street over here," said neighbor Willie Clark.
Police won't say how or if the teens knew each other. Thompson has a 4-year-old brother. His mother said he wanted to study electrical engineering.
The teens will be back in Utica city court Monday for a felony hearing.
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