Utica Police: Distraught Man Fires Shots Inside Arnold Ave. Home Before Surrendering

Utica, NY (WIBX) - A 'distraught' man fired at least two shots inside his Arnold Ave. home on Friday afternoon and threatened to harm himself before surrendering to police about an hour later, according to Utica Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Steven Hauck.

The man, identified as 26-year-old Willie Bellamy, was uninjured when he gave himself up and is undergoing a mental evaluation at an area hospital, Hauck said.

Bellamy was alone inside the home when he fired at least two shots into a ceiling, and at no time did he make threats toward police or anyone else, Hauck said.

"[The shots were] not directed at police or anyone outside, they were strictly inside the home. We made communication over the phone, spoke with him for a while and eventually he put the gun down and came outside" Hauck said.

Police were alerted to the situation at about 2:15 p.m. Friday by a family member who said Bellamy was upset regarding a child custody issue, Hauck said.