Police Credit Facebook For Increase In Arrests

Utica, NY (WIBX) - It was a busy weekend for law enforcement officials. The Utica Police Department is reporting the arrests of multiple individuals on its new Facebook page and Department spokesperson, Sergeant Steven Hauck says it's not an up-tick in illegal activity, but rather an increase in crime tips coming from its Facebook account.

Hauck says crime tips from the community is what law enforcement officials rely on to help ensure a safer community for all. "Police really don't solve crimes, people solve crimes. Unless we witness it, we have to rely on people to come forward, or to be honest with us and forthright to help us basically keep their community safe, and that's been one avenue that has worked really very well for us," he said.

He said ultimately the trend shows that people play a vital role in solving crimes, and social media tools like Facebook, make it easier for them to provide information to the police.

The partial list of arrests UPD reported over the weekend includes:

• On February 13, 2011, at around 12:19 a.m., Utica Police Jeremy Nash arrested Cassidy Hart, age 22, of Whitesboro and Nathaniel Dimick, age 19, of Utica, for drug related charges. The arrest took place at the intersection of Kemble and James Streets, during a traffic stop. Hart was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and Dimick was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree and unlawful possession of marijuana.

• On February 12, 2011, at around 10:12 p.m., Utica Police Officer Brian Bansner arrested John Allen, age 20, Utica, for drug and traffic related offenses. Allen was also in possession of a large sum of cash.The arrest took place on the 1500 block of Dudley Avenue, during a traffic stop. Officer Bansner, who was familiar with Allen, observed him driving the vehicle, while knowing that his privilege to drive in this state was suspended. Allen was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th degree (crack/cocaine), unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd degree, and two other traffic infractions. Additionally, Allen was arrested on an active local warrant for aggravated unlicensed operation (failed to pay child support).

• On February 13, 2011, at about 12:45 a.m., Officer Jeremy Nash conducted a traffic stop of Quang Ly, age 39, of Utica, and arrested him for DWI. The arrest took place at the intersection of Pellettieri Avenue and Jay Street. Ly was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, failed to stop for a stop sign, failed to signal, and unsafe turn.

• On February 13, 2011, about 5:07 p.m., Police Officer Brian D. Bansner arrested Craig D. Jackson, age 22, of Utica. Officer Bansner had observed Jackson standing outside the corner store at the intersection of James St. and Dudley Avenue, while knowing that he had two outstanding local arrest warrants against him. The warrants for Jackson's arrest included; criminal trespassing 2nd degree and criminal mischief 4th degree.

• On February 13, 2011, at about 4:40 p.m., Utica Police Officer Bryon Combellack responded to 702 Plant Street for a domestic dispute. Officer Combellack would later arrest Rafael Rodriguez, age 46, of Utica, for menacing in the third degree. Rodriguez had threatened to beat his ex-girlfriend up and break her nose.

• On February 12, 2011, at around 4:12 p.m., Utica Police would respond to 1160 Mohawk Street in regards to an order of protection violation. The female victim stated that her ex-boyfriend, David Colon Sr., age 48, of Conkling Avenue, Utica, had repeatedly came to her home that day and refused to leave her alone. When the female left her home, Colon proceeded to follow her and she drove to a public store to call the police. A complaint for criminal contempt in the 2nd degree was taken from the victim and police proceeded to check several different locations in an effort to arrest Colon. At around 5:50 p.m. that day, Utica Police Officer Michael Murphy would check the home of the victim, who was not home, on Leeds Street. Officer Murphy noticed that someone enter the home and saw sudden movement inside the kitchen area. With the assistance of police backup, several officers entered the home and found Colon lying on the kitchen floor with an apparent self-inflicted stab would to the chest. Colon was taken to St. Elizabeths Hospital for medical treatment and his condition is unknown at this time. The female victim would later praise Officer Murphy and other UPD officers for potentially saving her life.

• February 14, 2011 at 12:05 a.m., Utica Police responded to Kennedy Plaza Apartments for a problem with an intoxicated man in the lobby. Police would later arrest Craig Chisholm, age 24, of Utica for exposure of a person.