12-year-old boy, man shot at Columbia Street candlelight vigil, police say

H. Rose Schneider, Observer-Dispatch
·2 min read
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A 12-year-old boy as well as a 29-year-old man, both of Utica, were hospitalized after gunfire broke out at a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening in Utica, police reported.

Utica police and firefighters were dispatched about 8:15 p.m. to the 1400 block of Whitesboro Street, where the boy and his mother told police they had been at a vigil on Columbia Street when gunshots were fired. The child was struck in the face, a release from the Utica Police Department said.

Around that time police were dispatched to Sunset and Oswego streets where they found a 29-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. While the man would not disclose information, including who shot him, police determined it was likely near the vigil, the release said.

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There is no motive at this time, but Utica police Sgt. Michael Curley said more than one shooter may have been involved.

Delvin Moody, a former Utica Common Council member, confirmed Wednesday the vigil had been held in honor of his late father.

"It is unfortunate that at such a solemn time violence of this magnitude broke out. I am hurt and yet mourning the loss of my dad," he said in a statement. "My heart goes out the families that were impacted and to the children who sustained injuries. It is my prayer these shootings do not continue. Fighting gun violence was what I worked for as a councilman and something my dad was most proud of.”

The injured man was taken to the St. Elizabeth campus of Mohawk Valley Health Systems. The boy was taken to the a local hospital and then to a Syracuse hospital for surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his jaw, the release from Utica police said. Both of their injuries are not considered life threatening.

Over 20 9-mm bullet casings were recovered at two locations, and at least five cars were struck, the release said. Utica police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 315-223-3556 or submit an anonymous tip to Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-TIPS, or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

H. Rose Schneider covers public safety, breaking and trending news for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: 12-year-old boy, man shot at Columbia Street candlelight vigil