5 Capital Region Men Arrested on Weapons Charges After Routine Traffic Stop on Route 17K
Five men from the Capital Region were arrested on weapons-related charges during a traffic stop in Sullivan County. The incident happened at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Route 17K in the town of Bloomingburg, according to Trooper Steven Nevel.
Troopers on patrol noticed a 2017 GMC Yukon driving westbound on Route 17K, committing multiple traffic violations. They pulled the vehicle over with assistance from the Wallkill Police Department in neighboring Orange County.
Upon stopping the SUV, troopers identified the driver as Albert Blowers, age 48, a resident of Rensselaer in the Capital Region. During the interaction, officers found probable cause to search the vehicle and asked all five occupants to exit.
During the search, troopers reportedly found weapons inside the vehicle. Each of the five men, including Blowers, now faces charges related to the possession of those weapons. Details about the specific types of weapons or other items found during the search have not been disclosed at this time.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, and all individuals involved were taken into custody. The incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement in Sullivan County and surrounding areas to address illegal weapons possession and other criminal activities.
The four Capital Region passengers were identified as:
- Brian Bunting, age 42, of Rensselaer
- Thomas Mclaughlin, age 49, of Albany,
- Alex Sanford, age 26, of Rensselaer
- Anthony Walter, age 27, of Rensselaer.
Once removed, Nevel said Mclaughlin, Sanford, and Walters were found to have illegal firearms, one of them being a ghost gun.
A search of the vehicle revealed two additional illegal firearms located within the car, he added.
The five were arrested and charged with:
Albert Blowers:
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Criminal possession of stolen property
- Multiple uniform traffic tickets.
Brian Bunting:
- Criminal possession of a weapon
- Criminal possession of stolen property
Anthony Walter:
- Criminal possession of a weapon 2 counts
- Criminal possession of stolen property
Alex Sanford:
- Criminal possession of a weapon 2 counts
- Criminal possession of stolen property
Thomas Mclaughlin:
- Criminal possession of a weapon 2 counts
- Criminal possession of stolen property
All were remanded to the Orange County Jail on $10,000 Cash, $20,000 Bond, and $40,000 Partial Secured Bond and ordered to reappear before the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.