Two men charged in home robbery

Two men have been charged with robbery at a residence in Oneida. One of the accused has also been charged in relation to a subsequent police chase.

According to Oneida City Police (OCP) reports, on Monday, Jan. 25, the OCP responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence on Lenox Avenue.

An investigation revealed that two males allegedly entered the residence, one of whom was uninvited. That male allegedly grabbed a bag containing money and attempted to flee the residence. The occupants were able to stop the male and hold him until police arrived, according to the report.

The second male fled before police arrived on the scene.

The first male that was held at the scene was identified as Steven White, 35, of Utica. He was taken into custody by officers and was ultimately charged with:

• Robbery 2nd degree (class C felony)

• Criminal Trespass 2nd degree (class A Misdemeanor)

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (class A Misdemeanor)

White was arraigned before the Oneida City Court and was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, or $10,000 bond. He is scheduled to reappear before the court at a later date and time.

Through the course of the investigation, the second male suspect was identified as Brandon Walsh, 34, of Oneida. Efforts were made to locate Walsh regarding this incident, however, police say he was elusive.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, officers reportedly observed a vehicle at Walmart in Oneida that was believed to be operated by Walsh. Police say the officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however, the vehicle fled, leading officers on a short vehicle pursuit, which officers ended due to road conditions and safety concerns, according to reports.

A short time later, a Madison County Deputy Sheriff again located and attempted to stop Walsh on Canal Road in Oneida, and again Walsh failed to comply and fled, police said.

Officials say law enforcement officers from the Oneida City Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police assisted, and the suspect vehicle eventually ran off the road on Hill Rd in the Town of Verona.

It was reported that two occupants of the vehicle then fled on foot.

The passenger was quickly taken into custody and was identified as Joseph Baker, 26, of Little Falls. Baker was reportedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance. He was issued an appearance ticket for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and was released.

Walsh was reportedly apprehended a short time later by NYS Troopers who were assisting in locating him. Walsh was subsequently charged by the Oneida City Police with the following charges in relation to the incident on ½5/2021:

• Robbery 2nd degree (class C felony)

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (class A Misdemeanor)

Walsh also faced charges by the Madison County Sheriff’s Department relating to the fleeing incident. Those charges include:

• Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer (misdemeanor)

• DWI (misdemeanor)

• Reckless Driving (misdemeanor)

• And numerous Vehicle & Traffic violations

Officials say Walsh was arraigned before the Oneida City Court and was remanded to the Madison County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, or $20,000 bond. He is scheduled to reappear before the court at a later date and time.