Traffic stop yields a trunkful of assault weapons and ammo

Albany County Sheriff

Three assault weapons and high-capacity magazines containing ammunition were found in the trunk of a car stopped for a traffic violation in Voorheesville, according to Albany County Sheriff Chief Deputy William Rice.

VOORHEESVILLE — A 42-year-old woman driving a car through the village and her three male passengers, all in their 20s, were arrested Thursday on felony weapons charges.

Albany County Sheriff’s deputies made a traffic stop on Maple Avenue in the village because of a suspected window-tint violation, said Chief Deputy William Rice.

They smelled marijuana and, investigating further, found three assault weapons and high-capacity magazines containing ammunition wrapped in a tarp in the trunk of the car, said Rice; they also found marijuana.

“I’m sure they were surprised,” said Rice of the arresting deputies. “It’s not every day you find weapons like this.”

Rice declined commenting on the reason the suspects had assault weapons, saying, “It’s under investigation.”

All four of the car’s occupants were charged with three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Subdivision 7, which, according to New York Penal Code, applies to assault weapons, and with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Subdivision 8, which applies to large ammunition-feeding devices.

All four were placed into custody without incident:

— Melissa Romano, 42, of Summit, New York, who was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation, and with a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law for the tinted windows;

— Adam W. Thorington, 25, of Richmondville, New York, who was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation;

— Steve V. Birju, 28, of Schenectady; and

— Nicholas C. Larkin, 26, of Sloansville.

All four were arraigned Thursday evening, Aug. 10, in New Scotland Town Court by Judge David Wukitsch. Rice said bail for Romano was set at $1,500 cash and $18,000 bond, and that bail for the men was set at $1,500 cash each and $10,000 bond each.

Rice said Romano’s bail may have been higher because she was the driver.

He also said, on Friday, that all four of the suspects were out on bail.

 

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