UTICA, N.Y. – A 30-year-old Utica man is charged with attempted murder after allegedly firing gunshots at a police officer on Brayton Park Place Monday.

Police say while Officer Peter Caruso was patrolling the area around 5:40 p.m., the suspect, later identified as Earl Roberts, started threatening him.

Earl Roberts Earl Roberts

A witness at the scene allegedly saw Roberts pull out a handgun, and alerted the officer.

Caruso then got out of his police car to approach Roberts. At that time, Roberts starting shooting toward Caruso, who then took cover behind his driver-side door and returned fire.

Police say Roberts fired eight rounds toward the officer, hitting the patrol vehicle and a display window at nearby Sabatino’s Market. Caruso fired three times in return.

Roberts ran from the scene, and Caruso tried to find him in the vicinity but was unsuccessful.

Police arrived to the scene after the incident to close the area for investigation.

Several hours later, Roberts was found at a residence near the scene. METRO SWAT members went into the home, but were unable to get Roberts out. They then used chemical munitions to force him out of the residence.

Roberts was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder, an A felony.

Caruso, who has been with UPD for 15 years, will be placed on administrative leave while a full investigation is conducted.