At approximately 10:13 PM on April 7^th, 2021, patrol officers were dispatched to the Watervliet Housing Authority’s Joslin Apartment Complex, located at 2400 2^nd Ave. for a report of shots fired incident.  Shortly after arrival to the scene, officers observed a bullet entry hole in an exterior building wall which traveled through several interior apartment walls, including the bedroom where a six (6) year-old child was sleeping. The investigation determined the bullet was fired from an outdoor courtyard area inside the housing complex. A suspect was located nearby and arrested without incident. In addition, a loaded semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun was secured by Watervliet PD.  The handgun was not legally registered and had a defaced serial number. Lastly, a bullet projectile was recovered from the bedroom wall of the six (6) year old. No one was injured during this incident.  At this time, it is not believed the shots were targeted at any specific individual or residence.

The suspect, who is 17-years-old, is from Troy, NY. He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm 2^nd Degree (Class C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3^rd Degree (Class D Felony), Reckless Endangerment 1^st Degree (Class D Felony), Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A Misdemeanor), and Criminal Mischief 4^th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor). The suspect is reported to be on probation for a previous unrelated Robbery arrest. The Juvenile suspect was arraigned and remanded to a secured detention facility pending a Family Court proceeding scheduled later today.

The Watervliet Police Department would like to thank members of the Cohoes Police Department and the Green Island Police Department for their assistance in this matter.

“This incident terrified the parents of a 6-year old child who was awakened to find that a bullet was fired through her wall. The thought of what could have been should be terrifying to the entire Watervliet community. This senseless act of violence strengthens the department’s resolve in ridding our streets of these offenders.”

• Chief Joseph L. Centanni