The Rotterdam Police Department arrested Brian L. Simmons, 52, of 1021 Outer Drive, Rotterdam on charges of Assault in the first degree on Dec. 8 at 1021 Outer Drive at 12:53 a.m., according to a press release from the department.
Simmons was involved in a verbal dispute with his niece, when the niece’s boyfriend, Joel Winkler, 24, of Rotterdam Junction, attempted to intervene in the dispute. Simmons then shot Winkler with a shotgun with Winkler sustaining a single gun shot wound to his torso, according to police reports. The boyfriend was transported to Albany Medical Center and was treated for his injuries. The incident occurred at 1021 Outer Drive at 12:53 a.m. on Dec. 8, according to reports.
Simmons was arraigned in Rotterdam Town Court in front of Judge Kevin Mercoglan and was remanded to the Schenectady County Jail.
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