UTICA, NY — What began as a routine welfare check quickly escalated into a serious situation Thursday morning in Utica.

According to the City of Utica Police Department, officers were dispatched around 9:05 AM on April 23rd to the Red Roof Inn while attempting to locate a reported missing juvenile.

When officers knocked on the door, a male answered and confirmed the juvenile was inside the room. Police entered to check on the juvenile’s wellbeing — and that’s when things took a turn.

Officers immediately spotted a loaded handgun sitting out in the open on a bedside table.

The male was detained on the spot, while the juvenile was found inside the bathroom.

Both individuals were transported to the Utica Police Department as officers secured a search warrant for the hotel room.

After completing the search, police say no additional evidence was located — but the weapon alone was enough to bring charges.

Authorities identified the man as Joseph Navarro, 20, of Zephyrhills, Florida. He is now facing:

  • Criminal Possession of a Firearm
  • Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (extended magazine)

The juvenile involved was safely reunited with their family.