Utica Man Charged With Possessing Stolen Vehicle

A Utica man has been arrested for allegedly possessing a stolen vehicle from Arizona.

State Police have charged 28-year old Joseph Garcia with criminal possession of stolen property, along with numerous vehicle and traffic violations.

Garcia fled on foot after a traffic stop on the Thruway near the Herkimer exit on Monday morning.  He was taken into custody on Sokol Road.

The incident led to several Valley-area schools initiating lock outs.

Police says the investigation is continuing.