On June 27, 2022, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Watervliet police officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on Fifth Avenue after observing violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. It was discovered that the driver, Quazier J. Wertz, was illegally operating the vehicle.

Inside Wertz’s vehicle, officers located a loaded, illegally-possessed 9mm handgun (photo attached) and over one pound of cannabis.

Watervliet Police charged Wertz, an 18-year-old male from Watervliet (photo attached) with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2^nd Degree (Class C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3^rd Degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the 3^rd Degree (Class A Misdemeanor) and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Wertz was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility without bail.

Wertz is currently on NYS Parole for Assault in the 1^st Degree regarding a separate matter.