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A 15-year-old boy from Albany was arrested after being found with a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson handgun, marking the fourth incident involving teenage violence in the area within 16 days. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office conducted a proactive investigation near Lexington Avenue and Central Avenue, leading to the discovery of the weapon. The teen was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and was arraigned in Albany County Family Court on Tuesday (June 10) as reported by NEWS10 ABC.
This arrest follows a series of violent incidents involving teens in the area. On June 12, a 14-year-old girl was charged with attempted murder after a stabbing attempt, and a large group fight was broken up by police in Clinton Park. Later that night, another teen was charged with assaulting a police officer during a confrontation at a McDonald's. Most recently, a 13-year-old was arrested for brandishing an illegally modified flare gun according to CBS6 Albany.
Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli emphasized the need for more accountability in the courts and at home to prevent such incidents. He reassured residents that Watervliet remains safe, noting that juvenile arrests this year are only slightly higher than the previous year. The Watervliet school district is working with the city and police to ensure school safety as summer school begins soon.