UTICA, N.Y.Police in Utica said that a 12-year-old child has been charged with first-degree robbery for allegedly using a knife to attack and threaten another young person during a botched shoe sale.
On December 26, 2024, the victim made plans to see the suspect—who was only known by a nickname—in order to buy a pair of shoes. Before trying to escape, the suspect allegedly shoved the victim to the ground and took a bag of cash, according to the police.
The suspect is accused of threatening the victim with a huge knife and then running away once the victim caught up to him.
The Juvenile Aid Unit of the Utica Police Department was given the case. Police were able to verify the suspect’s identification after looking through his social media accounts and finding a picture of him with the pilfered cash.
The suspect and his guardian did not show up despite efforts to get him to willingly give himself in. Authorities launched a missing person inquiry after discovering in early January that the suspect had left his home.
The suspect was found and arrested on January 16, 2025. After being charged with first-degree robbery, he was released to a family member with an appearance ticket due to his age.
