Man Arrested After Armed Robbery at Utica Store

UTICA, N.Y. — Police arrested a man suspected of robbing a convenience store at gunpoint on Friday evening. The Utica Police Department responded to the store at the intersection of Mohawk Street and Eagle Street around 10:30 p.m.

According to police, a male suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded cash and merchandise. After receiving the items, the suspect fled the scene. The store employee recognized the suspect as someone who had been in the store earlier that day.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and canvassed the neighborhood, which led them to identify a suspect vehicle. On Saturday, they conducted surveillance at the suspect’s residence.

Joseph Ruffule, 58, of Utica, was detained after he left his house and entered the vehicle believed to be used in the robbery. A search of his residence uncovered a BB gun pistol and an AR-15-style rifle.

Ruffule was charged with robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently awaiting arraignment.