Two Arrested in Utica Armed Robbery of Juvenile

Suspects Ja'hmear Sullivan, 18, and a 13-year-old male charged with second-degree robbery

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Utica police responded to a report of an armed robbery that occurred on February 23 in which a group of masked individuals approached a juvenile victim, demanded property, and one suspect displayed a handgun before fleeing with the victim's belongings. Investigators identified and arrested two suspects, Ja'hmear Sullivan, 18, and a 13-year-old male, who were both charged with second-degree robbery.

Why it matters

Violent crimes against juveniles are concerning for the community, and this incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and law enforcement efforts to address public safety issues, especially involving minors as victims.

The details

According to police, the juvenile victim was walking home from school around 2:40 p.m. on February 23 when they were approached by several masked individuals on Walnut Street. One male suspect lifted his waistband to display a handgun, while another forcibly took the victim's bag and other property before the group fled the scene. Investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division and Juvenile Aid Division worked to identify and locate the two suspects, who were arrested on February 26.

  • The robbery occurred around 2:40 p.m. on February 23, 2026.
  • The two suspects were arrested on February 26, 2026.

The players

Ja'hmear Sullivan

An 18-year-old Utica resident charged with second-degree robbery in connection with the incident.

13-year-old male

A juvenile charged with second-degree robbery in connection with the incident.

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What’s next

The 13-year-old suspect was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Probation/Family Court.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of community vigilance and effective law enforcement to address violent crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable populations like juveniles, and the need for a comprehensive approach to public safety that addresses the root causes of such incidents.