Utica police investigate two shots fired early this morning

UTICA, New York, — Utica police are currently investigating two separate shootings that occurred in different parts of town over the weekend. In both incidents, bullets struck residential homes, but no injuries were reported.

The first incident occurred on August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:00 a.m. in the 1400 block of Seymour Avenue. Multiple shots were fired, with one bullet passing through a nearby residence. Officers arriving at the scene discovered six empty shell casings in the 1300 block of Dudley Avenue, indicating the possible location of the shooter.

The second incident occurred the next morning, August 19, 2024, at approximately 4:45 a.m. Units were dispatched to the 1200 block of Schuyler Street after a bullet entered the front window of a residence. Officers searching the area found two empty shell casings outside the home.

Both investigations have been assigned to the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Unit. Authorities are asking anyone with information about either incident to contact the GIVE Unit at 315-223-3510. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com, by calling 1-866-730-8477 (TIPS), or through the P3 Tips mobile app.

The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to identify suspects and determine the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

GAITHERSBURG, Maryland. — A Montgomery County Public Schools elementary school teacher has been arrested in connection with the fentanyl-related death of an adult male earlier this year. Sarah Katherine Magid was taken into custody Monday at her Burtonsville home by Montgomery County Police and special agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Magid's arrest follows a months-long investigation into the March 2024 death of the male victim in Washington, DC. An autopsy later determined the cause of death was fentanyl poisoning. Investigators with the Montgomery County Police Department's Special Investigations Division, working with DEA ​​agents, found that the victim had been in Montgomery County in the days leading up to his death.

During the investigation, detectives found evidence that the victim had been in contact with a person named “Sarah,” later identified as Sarah Magid. Based on this information, law enforcement obtained search and seizure warrants for Magid's home and an arrest warrant.

Magid was arrested without incident and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where she is currently awaiting a bail hearing. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted as part of a joint effort between the DEA and Montgomery County Police.

This case highlights the growing concern about fentanyl-related deaths and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to crack down on the illegal distribution of controlled substances.

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Police are investigating a critical incident in which a Pittsburgh Police Officer was injured Tuesday in the area of ​​Althea Street and Altamont Way in Zone 3 after he was struck by a vehicle driven by a burglary suspect.

The incident occurred when officers approached the suspect, identified as William Skinner, 36, of Pittsburgh, who was connected to several burglaries. During the contact, Skinner allegedly struck the officer with his vehicle, resulting in shots being fired. Skinner then fled the scene toward Saw Mill Run Boulevard.

The injured officer was taken to a hospital by Pittsburgh EMS with a laceration to the head and a possible fractured ankle. His condition is said to be stable.

Skinner was arrested at 1:48 p.m. near the railroad tracks in the area of ​​South 9th Street and PJ McCardle Roadway. Allegheny County Police have taken over the investigation, which relates to the officer's injury, the shooting and any additional crimes that occurred prior to Skinner's arrest.

Pittsburgh police thanked Allegheny County Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Mount Oliver Police and the Port Authority for their assistance in arresting Skinner. The investigation is ongoing.