UTICA — A man was charged Thursday with slashing a victim with a knife during an argument that occurred in the 900 block of Third Ave.

Utica Police said when patrols arrived to Third Avenue at 2:35 p.m., they learned from two victims that a man they were familiar with approached them and started an argument. During the altercation, the man brandished a knife and began threatening the two victims.

At one point, police said the suspect attempted to stab one of the men when the other intervened. The suspect then began to slash toward the other man, who suffered a severe cut to his hand. Police said the victim was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where it was learned the victim's wounds were so severe, they required surgery.

The case was then assigned to a member of the Criminal Investigations Division, and a Be On the Look-Out alert was put out to attempt to locate the suspect.

Around 4:45 p.m., patrolling officers saw the suspect's vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The operator then led officers on a pursuit for several blocks, until driving into a yard and then fleeing on foot, police said. It was at this time that officers positively identified the operator as the suspect in the cutting. 

After a chase that led through multiple backyards, the suspect was finally apprehended on VanVorst Street. It was also learned that a child under age 17 was in the vehicle during the pursuit.

After being taken into custody, David Drake, 31, of Utica was then transported to Utica Police Department and charged with second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree menacing, endangering the welfare of a child, obstructing governmental administration and fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle.

He will appear in City Court.