HERKIMER, NY — A 19-year-old man was arrested after causing panic at a Walmart when he allegedly brandished an imitation pistol.
Officers responded to reports of an active incident and possible shots fired at the store.
Police quickly located and detained Maeleeke Warner, of Utica, without further incident.
The investigation determined the weapon possessed by Warner was an imitation pistol not capable of firing live ammunition.
No shots were fired and no injuries were reported, but the individual’s actions caused significant fear among patrons and staff, police said.
Warner has been charged with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device.
He is being held pending arraignment with a bail recommendation of $15,000 cash or $30,000 bond.
The Herkimer Police Department was assisted by the Herkimer County District Attorney’s Office, Mohawk Police Department, New York State Police, Herkimer County Sheriff’s Office and Herkimer County 911.
