MINDEN, NY — State Police arrested a Schenectady County man after he allegedly pointed an imitation handgun at other motorists while driving intoxicated on Interstate 90.
James W. Reinardt, 51, of Schenectady County, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th, menacing 2nd, aggravated driving while intoxicated and numerous vehicle and traffic law violations.
At approximately 6:13 p.m. March 25, 2026, troopers assigned to Troop T responded to a report of a driver displaying a handgun out the window while traveling eastbound on the I-90 Thruway.
Troopers located and stopped the vehicle, identifying the driver as Reinardt.
The investigation determined that while driving, Reinardt was passing other eastbound vehicles while waving and pointing what appeared to be a handgun at other motorists.
The weapon was later determined to be a Byrna SD less than lethal imitation pistol capable of firing kinetic projectiles and pepper balls.
There was no evidence that the imitation pistol had been discharged.
Reinardt was taken into custody at the scene and transported to State Police Mayfield for processing, where he recorded a 0.25% blood alcohol content.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Minden Town Court on April 20, 2026, and released.
