BETHLEHEM, NY. (WNYT) — Bethlehem Police said two 19-year-olds from Selkirk were arrested for allegedly threatening juveniles with a BB gun.
According to police, officers responded after a report that two people in a white Honda Civic approached juveniles sitting near the entrance of the Stewart’s Shop at 624 Delaware Ave. on Monday, July 20. One person pointed what looked like a handgun while making a threatening statement.
Police said the car left before officers arrived and none of the juvenile victims were physically injured. Detectives later identified the occupants as Jacob Bloom and Coleman Hughes.
Investigators said they got suspect and vehicle descriptions, including a partial New York registration, and reviewed surveillance video from a nearby business. Police said the video showed a white two-door Honda Civic enter the parking lot, pass the juveniles, leave, return a short time later and briefly stop near the juveniles before heading west on Delaware Avenue.
As part of the investigation, police said detectives got statements from the victim and obtained surveillance footage. They searched a Selkirk residence and vehicle.
Police said officers found a black Glock 19-style, CO2-powered BB pistol on the front passenger-side floorboard of the vehicle. The department said the replica handgun was consistent with the weapon reportedly shown during the encounter.
Bloom was taken into custody without incident, police said. Hughes was later brought to Bethlehem Police and taken into custody.
Both were charged with sixth-degree menacing, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy. They were arraigned and released under Albany County Probation Department supervision.
Police said orders of protection were issued for the juvenile victims. Bloom and Hughes are scheduled to appear in Bethlehem Town Court on Aug. 18 at 4 p.m.