Off Duty Utica Cop Injured While Stopping Robbery In Progress

Utica Police are just releasing details about a robbery stopped by an off-duty police officer.

On Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Officer Jacob Penree watched 28-year old Nicholas Smith allegedly break into a car while it was parked in the owner's driveway.

Penree called 911 and then identified himself as a police officer to Smith.  Police say Smith fought with Penree.  The off-duty officer was hurt but Smith was taken into custody as on-duty officers arrived on the scene.

Utica Police say Smith admitted that he regularly breaks into cars at night.

He is being charged with theft and may face additional charges.