COLONIE, NY — Police arrested a Georgia man on multiple felony weapons charges after an AR-15 style rifle was spotted on the Siena University campus.
Michael Sanchez, 20, of Forest Park, Georgia, was charged with four felonies, including criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds.
Police responded to Siena University at 515 Loudon Road at approximately 11:08 p.m. Friday after reports of a suspicious vehicle on campus with an occupant who had displayed a rifle.
Officers determined the vehicle had left campus and witness interviews established the rifle had not been displayed in a threatening or menacing manner.
No threats were made to any students or the campus, police said.
Officers coordinated with Siena University Public Safety personnel and identified the vehicle through video surveillance.
Police believed the three vehicle occupants were from out of state and conducted a systematic search of area hotels and motels.
The vehicle was located parked and unoccupied at the LaQuinta Inn and Suites at 833 Loudon Road with an AR-15 style rifle in plain view in the front seat.
Police investigators determined which rooms the occupants were staying in and took all three into custody without incident.
Investigators obtained and executed a search warrant to secure the rifle and additional evidence.
The AR-15 style rifle and attached magazine cannot be legally possessed in New York State, police said.
Sanchez was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for the assault rifle, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree for a large capacity ammunition device, criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and criminal possession of a firearm.
The other two vehicle occupants were not charged.
Sanchez was arraigned in Colonie Town Court and bail was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
He remains in the Albany County Correctional Facility.
