Utica Police Chief Responds To Increase In Shots Fired, Shooting Incidents

An increase in shots fired and shooting incidents in the City of Utica has the Police Department on alert.

"Every time there's an uptick in the weather and we see the warmer temperatures, it seems that our shots fired calls start going up," Williams said. "Including our shootings, unfortunately."

Utica Police Chief Mark Williams says it's been difficult to investigate the incidents, mainly because the victims are uncooperative with police. But, it isn't stopping his staff from doing its job.

"The investigations are continuing and regardless of the assistance of the victims themselves, the investigations go forward," Williams said. "If we can make an arrest, we will."

The Chief also noted that the recent lack of cooperation from shooting victims may be the result of those people perhaps being involved in illegal activity themselves.

UPD officers have responded to four incidents this week, including two shootings in back-to-back days.