Teens Allegedly Hit Victim with 2 x 4 During Robbery in Utica

A group of four faces charges in an alleged assault and robbery that took place in Utica in December.

Utica Police say that they were called to the scene of a reported robbery on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

According to the UPD several young men allegedly followed a man down York Street and approached him on the 1200 block. The victim said that the young men hit him physically "with their feet fists, and a 2x4 piece of wood." The UPD says the men then removed his wallet, more than $1,400 in cash, and other items while they were striking him. After they robbed him they fled the scene on foot.

It was initially believed that those involved were juveniles, and the UPD therefore assigned the Juvenile Aid Unit to the case. Surveillance video was collected from the area and it was learned that following the incident several young men went to a local store to purchase "numerous items with hundred dollar bills."

While watching the surveillance video the investigator recognized at least two of the suspects in the video from prior exchanges with police. Police say they were also able to identify another suspect who was at the store.

The Criminal Investigations Division began to assist with the case once it was discovered that one of the suspects was over the age of 18. Investigators spoke with a total of four suspects and, according to a release from the UPD, "each party made admissions to their involvement in the crime."

Derrick Conover Photo Credit: Utica Police Department January 2022

The three young men who are under the age of 18 are not being identified. The fourth, police say, was 20-year-old Derrick Conover. All four are being charged with Robbery in the 2nd Degree.

Utica Police say the victim suffered "minor injuries" and is expected to be ok.

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: This post is for informational purposes and is based largely on information received from the Utica Police Department. All arrested persons are innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.]

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