New Hartford, NY (WIBX) - A joint investigation by the Oneida County Drug Task Force and New Hartford Police, into illegal drug activities, led to the arrest of 23 year old Rafael Morales of New Hartford.  Law enforcement officials say they responded to a call for "Shots Fired" at a home on Oneida Street last month when their investigation uncovered that the intended target of the shooting was the home of the suspect they subsequently arrested.

Morales is believed to be involved with trafficking narcotics. After police executed a search warrant at his home on Oxford Road, they uncovered Heroin, packaging materials and a loaded handgun. Morales is facing several misdemeanor and felony drug charges. Officials say the shooting incident is still being investigated and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Morales is facing the following charges:

  • Criminal Possession of a controlled Substance 3rd  -B Felony
  • Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th- A Misdemeanor
  • Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd-A Misdemeanor
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd -D Felony

According to the report, Utica/New Hartford Emergency Response Team also assisted in the investigation and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.

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