Poestenkill, NY (WRGB) — A disturbance call near a Poestenkill home set off hours of searching, public alerts and an arrest that ended with a man jailed on multiple charges.
On Sept. 23, 2026, State Police, assisted by the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 39-year-old James F. Cooper IV. He was charged with second-degree bail jumping; fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon; and two counts of second-degree criminal contempt.
New York State Police said troopers responded at about 2 p.m. to a report of a disturbance at a home on Chain Mountain Road in Poestenkill. The investigation determined Cooper entered the home of a person known to him and got into argument with the homeowner. He was asked to leave, and after leaving the home, Cooper ran, reportedly carrying two long guns.
Because of an active court-issued order of protection, Cooper cannot legally possess any guns, New York State Police said.
At about 6:50 p.m., Cooper was found walking in the area of Chain Mountain Road. He was unarmed when taken into custody, and the guns involved were recovered nearby.
Cooper was taken to SP Sand Lake for processing, then arraigned in Sand Lake Town Court. He was remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond.
A public safety alert and a wireless emergency alert were issued because of the incident’s proximity to Algonquin Middle School and statements Cooper reportedly made indicating he would harm himself when confronted by law enforcement. State Police said Cooper had multiple active warrants for his arrest.