Cops Arrest 3 At Scene of Recent Homicide, Drug Overdose in West Utica

Cops are taking action to address a trouble-spot in West Utica that was the scene of a recent murder, a fatal drug overdose and has been source of several complaints from neighbors about drug trafficking.

UPD conducted a search warrant at 813 Warren Street on Thursday and arrested three people in connection with drug possession. Police say a quantity of both methamphetamine and heroin were located during their search.

Forty-one-year-old Steven Creaco and 40-year-old Christopher Velleto, both of Utica, and 39-year-old Iesha Dean-Welch, 39, of Rome, face various charges related to criminal possession of a controlled substance. Investigators say they also seized $900 in cash.

In April, Utica Police responded to the home for a murder investigation after 49-year-old James Jackson of Utica was shot to death. Investigators say there were several people at the residence at the time of the shooting and were able develop a description of the suspect. Shortly after, cops spotted the suspect walking on foot and after a brief chase arrested and charged a Pennsylvania man with Jackson's murder.

Police say they also had a recent response to the same home regarding a fatal drug overdose.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: This post is for informational purposes. The information provided within was provided publicly by law enforcement. Any charges or accusations of wrongdoing mentioned in the article are only allegations and the reader is reminded that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.]