COLONIE — A 51-year-old Latham man was arrested on Thursday, June 2, after he accidentally fired a round from a legally owned AR 15 through the wall of his apartment into a neighboring apartment.
The shot, fired by Claude Weinstein at about 1 a.m., then exited the Woodlands Apartments building. It is not the only reason he was arrested, though he did not notify police or the neighbor he accidentally fired the weapon.
According to Colonie police Lt. Daniel Belles, while investigating the bullet holes, officers found ArmaLite AR-10 that had “characteristics making it illegal to possess in New York state.” The rifle was capable of receiving a detachable magazine and had a telescoping stock which, when combined, violate the SAFE act, Belles said.
Weinstein stands charged with the felony of criminal possession of a weapon and the misdemeanor of reckless endangerment. He was arraigned in Colonie Town Court and released to the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Colonie Police Investigations Division at 518-783-2754.
