War Zone in Utica: 5-Ton Military Truck Hijacked in Violent Midnight Rampage
UTICA, NY — A quiet night in Utica turned into a scene of absolute devastation early this morning when a man stole a massive, privately owned military-style vehicle and led police on a high-stakes pursuit that left two officers injured and city infrastructure in ruins.
The chaos erupted around 2:20 a.m. near the Alexander Pirnie Federal Building. Security footage captured the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Daniel Passino-Brazeau, entering the 5-ton tactical truck and driving away from its parking spot on Oriskany Street. When Utica police intercepted the behemoth on West Street, Passino-Brazeau reportedly ignored all commands to stop, initially crawling forward before Floor-boarding the accelerator toward officers, forcing them to dive for cover.
A Heroic Attempt and a Trail of Destruction
The pursuit took a cinematic and dangerous turn as the vehicle barreled onto Genesee Street. In a desperate bid to stop the rampage, one officer leaped onto the moving 5-ton vehicle, clinging to the side while attempting to smash the driver’s side window. The suspect responded by accelerating, violently throwing the officer from the vehicle and causing injuries to the officer’s head and body.
Even after the fall, the suspect refused to surrender. The heavy-duty truck became a battering ram, severing a utility pole and a fire hydrant before smashing into a building at 287 Genesee St. The destructive spree only came to a halt in the 1600 block of Genesee Street, where Passino-Brazeau slammed the vehicle into a tree with such force that the truck became disabled.
Charges and Casualties
Two Utica police officers were rushed to Wynn Hospital for treatment. In a fortunate turn of events, authorities confirmed both have since been released.
Daniel Passino-Brazeau, who has no known address, was taken into custody at the scene. He now faces a litany of serious charges, including:
- Second-Degree Assault (Two Counts)
- Third-Degree Grand Larceny
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Numerous vehicle and traffic violations
The Utica Police Department and local crews spent the morning hours clearing the debris of a night that residents won’t soon forget. The investigation into the motive behind the theft remains ongoing.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends during this time of tragic loss. We stand with our community in offering our sincere thoughts and prayers to all those affected.
