UTICA, N.Y. – A Utica man is accused of trying to rob the Cliff’s Market in New Hartford.
According to New Hartford police, an alleged fight between the suspect and the cashier happened at the Genesee Street location in the village. But this was part of an investigation into a robbery in the overnight hours the same day back on May 31.
Tyrie Sweeting, 26 of Utica, was arrested and charged with third-degree attempted robbery.
An employee working at the time reported that Sweeting entered the store and was trying to return bottles, and became upset that some of them were declined. After fighting verbally, the cashier said Sweeting walked behind the counter and began taking items from the display. That is when the worker says he tried physically blocking Sweeting, and he was pushed and punched in the face.
Sweeting was eventually taken into custody after allegedly leading a New Hartford police officer on a foot chase through several blocks.
No one was injured in the initial robbery.
He was taken to the Oneida County Jail in lieu of cash bail.