On April 29th, 2026 at approximately 2:20AM, Utica Police were alerted by a security officer at the Alexander Pirnie Federal Building about a possible stolen military-style vehicle.

According to the report, surveillance footage showed a suspicious male entering the vehicle near 221 Oriskany Street and driving off.

What happened next turned into a full-blown nightmare on city streets.

Officers located the vehicle on West Street and attempted a stop. The driver refused to comply, initially moving erratically before suddenly accelerating toward officers—forcing them to scramble out of the way to avoid being struck.

The vehicle then fled southbound, weaving through streets including South Street and Genesee Street.

On the 200 block of Genesee Street, the truck slammed into a utility pole and ripped a fire hydrant from the ground, causing major damage to a nearby building at 287 Genesee Street.

Even after the crash, the situation escalated.

Officers attempted to stop the driver, with one officer trying to break the window to gain control. During this effort, the suspect accelerated again, ejecting an officer from the vehicle and causing injuries that required hospital treatment.

The truck continued through Oneida Square before crashing again into a tree in the 1600 block of Genesee Street—finally disabling the vehicle.

Police then moved in to take the suspect into custody. During the struggle, another officer suffered significant injuries to his hand and wrist.

The suspect has been identified as Daniel Passino-Brazeau, age 29, no known address.

He is currently facing multiple charges, including:

  • Assault in the 2nd Degree (x2)
  • Grand Larceny (3rd Degree)
  • Driving While Intoxicated
  • Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer
  • Numerous NYS Vehicle & Traffic violations

Additional charges are expected.

Due to the damage, portions of Genesee Street—from Dakin Street to South Street—remain closed as crews deal with debris and repairs.

Both injured officers were treated at Wynn Hospital and released, though one remains out of work due to head and body injuries.

Officials noted that, despite the scale of the incident, no innocent civilians were seriously injured.