UTICA, N.Y. – A Utica man is facing several charges after he was allegedly involved in an armed home invasion on Blandina Street Thursday night.

According to Utica Police Department, suspects broke into a home on the 600 block on Blandina Street just before 9 p.m. Once inside, they allegedly threatened and hit the resident with a black handgun.

Police put out a ‘be on the lookout’ alert, and around 10:45 p.m. other offices with the Gun Involved Violence Elimination unit stopped the suspected vehicle on Mohawk Street near Jay Street.

Police say 26-year-old Vitaliy Suprunchik, who had an outstanding warrant on a separate charge, was removed from the vehicle and arrested. During that time, officers saw several baggies of suspected heroin, leading them to search the vehicle. Officers found a loaded Cobra Patriot 9mm handgun in the glove compartment, matching the description of the gun used in the home invasion.

Suprunchik, who was already wanted on a possession of a forged instrument charge, was also charged with the following:

• First-degree burglary
• Second-degree menacing 
• Harassment
• Two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Criminal possession of a firearm
• Fourth- and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance

Police say the investigation is ongoing, and other suspects may be charged in the incident.