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In Cohoes, two birdwatchers experienced a terrifying encounter on Monday (September 15) when a gunman opened fire near Peebles Island State Park. The women, who were enjoying a day off for mental health, reported that a man in camouflage pointed a gun at them, prompting them to hide behind a concrete wall.
The Cohoes Police Department, led by Chief Todd Waldin, arrested Kurt James, a 43-year-old from Albany. He faces two felony counts of reckless endangerment and one count of criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities recovered 42 shell casings and nearly 150 live rounds from the scene. "Certainly, extremely dangerous behavior," Chief Waldin noted, expressing relief that no one was injured.
Several witnesses corroborated the birdwatchers' account, aiding the police investigation. Despite the incident, the birdwatchers expressed a desire to return to the area, emphasizing its beauty and the abundance of birds. Kurt James is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (September 18).