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Hector Gomez, a 41-year-old man from Schenectady has been indicted for allegedly threatening patrons with a gun inside an Albany bar. The incident occurred on February 8 at the Washington Tavern, where Gomez reportedly pulled out a loaded 9mm handgun and pointed it at several patrons, including holding it to a woman's head while making threatening comments. He then blocked the entrance, fired two shots, and left the area.
Gomez turned himself in to police on February 17 and was arraigned in Albany County Court on a six-count indictment. He faces charges of kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, burglary, criminal trespassing, criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. If convicted, Gomez could face up to 25 years in prison.
According to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, Gomez has been released on $100,000 bail and is required to wear an electronic monitoring device. He must also submit to weekly drug and alcohol tests. The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the community.