UPD: Dangerous suspect on the loose

Police are on the hunt for a dangerous man on the loose tonight. The man wanted in a robbery and an assault was caught on camera and now police need your help in identifying the man.

The Utica Police Department says both incidents happened near the same area and just eight days apart.

Police say he committed the violent crimes in broad daylight and even at one parking lot that is heavily traveled.

"A female victim had been grocery shopping at the Price Chopper in South Utica. She came out to the car to put the groceries in her car," explained Sgt. Steve Hauck of the UPD. And as she was about to pull away, that's when the man opened her car door and threatened her at knife point.

He then demanded she get in the passenger seat.

He drove away with her car and after a short distance, he demanded her ATM card. Minutes later, he reportedly took out cash at a nearby Fastrac ATM. That happened on December 22nd.

Then on December 30^th, the same man assaulted a female employee at the Save-A-Lot on Oneida Street.

"It seems like in both these instances he was very methodical of what he was doing- at least that what's the video shows. We don't know if the price chopper incident if he was hiding out. But, what we do know is that he is dangerous and has a potential to hurt people," said Sgt. Hauck.

Police say in both crimes, the women were just going about their daily business.  That's why officials say to always be aware of your surroundings, no matter what time of day it may be.

Police say they know it's the same guy because he wore the same clothes in both crimes.  If you have any information about who he may be, please call the Utica Police at 223-3510.