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A Saratoga County Sheriff's deputy, Alexander Stead, is on administrative leave following an incident where he accidentally fired a shotgun in his apartment at the Lilith Fair apartments in Milton. The incident occurred late Thursday night (November 28), just after 11:30 p.m., when Stead discharged the weapon into a wall adjacent to a room occupied by another person. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office, Stead, 32, was off duty at the time of the incident, and the shotgun belonged to him. He has been charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. Stead was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Milton Town Court at a later date.
The sheriff's office has initiated an internal investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Stead will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation. CBS6 Albany and NEWS10 reported that the investigation will assess whether any departmental policies were violated.
WNYT noted that the incident has raised concerns within the community, and the sheriff's office is addressing these concerns by ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation process.