A man who sent shockwaves through an upstate New York community by roaming the streets in a sinister clown mask and brandishing a chainsaw has been found guilty on serious felony charges.
Jury Delivers Swift Verdict After Two-Day Trial
A jury in Albany County Court took just two hours to convict the 35-year-old defendant following a two-day trial. He was found guilty of first-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon for the terrifying incident that unfolded on May 1 in the city of Cohoes.
District Attorney Lee Kindlon outlined the chilling sequence of events, which was captured on neighbourhood surveillance video. The footage showed the man walking in the area in the mid-afternoon, wearing the distinctive clown mask and a football jersey, while carrying a red chainsaw.
Brave Resident Confronts Masked Intruder
The situation escalated when a local resident confronted the masked figure. In response, the man removed a plastic sheath from the chainsaw and raised it in a threatening manner. A physical struggle ensued, during which the courageous resident managed to subdue the attacker and hold him until police officers arrived at the scene.
Upon arrest, officers discovered the man was also in possession of a set of metal knuckles, adding to the severity of the charges. The prosecution's case relied heavily on the surveillance video and testimony from four witnesses called to the stand. The defence did not call any witnesses, and the defendant chose not to testify in his own trial.
Sentencing Looms for Frightening Ordeal
The convicted man now awaits his fate, with sentencing scheduled for February 6. He faces a substantial prison term, with prosecutors indicating a potential sentence of two to seven years behind bars.
Attempts to reach the defendant or his public defender for comment after the verdict were unsuccessful. The case serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such threats and the community courage required to confront them.
