Utica Man Accused of Pointing Rifle at Driver With Kids Inside — Police Say AR-Style Weapon Found in Vehicle

Police say a routine response turned into a high-risk arrest involving a loaded rifle and children placed in danger.

UTICA, NY — What started as a reported menacing incident quickly turned into something a whole lot more serious on April 7th.

Around 1:05 PM, Utica Police were dispatched to the area of Albany Street and Kossuth Avenue after receiving reports that a driver had pointed a long gun at another vehicle — and not just any vehicle, but one carrying two small children.

According to police, the victim later reported spotting the suspect vehicle again near Mary Street and Tilden Avenue. Officers moved in and found the vehicle parked along the roadside.

That’s when things escalated.

Police say as they approached, they spotted what appeared to be an AR-style rifle sitting in plain view in the front seat. Officers immediately detained the driver without incident.

Inside the vehicle, authorities recovered the rifle along with multiple boxes of ammunition and magazines.

The suspect has been identified as Justin Dawes, 36, of Prospect, NY.

He was transported to the Utica Police Department and now faces a list of serious charges, including:

Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree)

Criminal Possession of a Weapon (3rd Degree)

Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Menacing (2nd Degree)

Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)

No injuries were reported, but the situation has left many asking how something like this even happens in broad daylight — and with kids involved.

Police have not released additional details at this time.