Oneida County Man Charged After Allegedly Pointing Long Gun at Driver with Children

Police say the suspect had an AR-style rifle in his vehicle when he was arrested.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a disassembled AR-style rifle magazine, its metal components and springs dramatically lit against a stark black background, conceptually representing the dangers of misused firearms.A recent incident of an alleged gun threat against a driver with children in the car has renewed concerns over firearm safety and responsible ownership in the local community.Utica Today

A 36-year-old man from Prospect, Oneida County was arrested and charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly pointed a long gun at another driver who had two children in their vehicle. Police located the suspect's vehicle, detained him, and recovered an AR-style rifle and ammunition from the front seat.

Why it matters

Incidents of gun violence, especially those involving children, are deeply concerning for the local community. This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to address public safety risks posed by individuals who allegedly misuse firearms.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred around 1:05 pm on April 7 near the intersection of Albany Street and Kossuth Avenue in Utica. The victim reported that the suspect, later identified as Justin Dawes, pointed a long gun at them while they had two children in their vehicle. Officers located Dawes' vehicle nearby and found an AR-style rifle and ammunition in the front seat when they approached and detained him.

  • The incident occurred around 1:05 pm on April 7, 2026.
  • Dawes was arrested and charged by the Utica Police Department on Tuesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Justin Dawes

A 36-year-old man from the hamlet of Prospect, Oneida County who was arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged incident.

Utica Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident, located Dawes' vehicle, detained him, and charged him with the alleged crimes.

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What they’re saying

“Incidents of gun violence, especially those involving children, are deeply concerning for the local community.”

— Utica Police Lt. Michael Curley, Utica Police Department

What’s next

Dawes is scheduled to appear in court on April 16, 2026 for a hearing related to the charges.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for continued vigilance to address public safety risks posed by the alleged misuse of firearms, especially in the presence of children.