The afternoon of Thanksgiving Day the LCSO began investigating a reported assault and theft of a smoker outside a residence in Utica. It was alleged an estranged family member who resides in another county, arrived at the other family’s home in Utica, assaulted a juvenile and young adult, unplugged the electric smoker and removed the partially smoked ham then loaded the smoker in the back of a vehicle and quickly fled the scene with a juvenile in the vehicle.

Additional investigation showed the alleged suspect subsequently went to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office to speak with the sheriff. After brief conversation that individual soon decided to stop talking and go elsewhere.

A short while later, another estranged relative who also resides in another county allegedly made a threatening call to the reported victims indicating that he was travelling to their home. Sheriff Cox was in position in Utica and witnessed that suspect driving extremely careless and imprudent through Utica and was stopped before he could get to the reported victims home. That driver was extremely uncooperative, insulting, attempting to provoke the sheriff and was issued a Careless and Imprudent citation before being requested to leave the area.

The investigation continues to collect additional information/evidence. A final report will be submitted to the prosecuting attorney for consideration of charge(s). One suspect is on probation in another county and information has been shared with the respective agency for consideration.   

Sheriff Steve Cox