Sheriff Brian Hess announces the arrest of Edwin G. Bowers III, 27, of Wassaic, NY , on felony weapons charges following a traffic stop in the Town of Southeast.
On July 21, 2026, at approximately 2:42 a.m., Deputy Victoria Crimmins was conducting patrol in the Town of Southeast and observed a vehicle traveling 54 mph in a posted 35 mph zone on Route 22. Deputy
Crimmins initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver. The driver was identified as Edwin G. Bowers III. A records check revealed that Bowers’ driving privileges in New York State were suspended six times on three separate dates.
As the investigation continued, Deputies recovered a loaded Taurus G3 9mm handgun from a backpack inside the vehicle. The handgun had a round in the chamber and a large-capacity ammunition feeding
device containing 16 additional rounds. Bowers did not possess a pistol permit. Deputies also recovered a quantity of marijuana from the vehicle.
Two young children, ages 2 and 3, were also inside the vehicle. Bowers was placed under arrest and transported to the Putnam County Correctional Facility for processing. The children were safely turned over to a family member, and a referral was made to Child Protective Services.
Bowers was charged with:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree — Class C Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree — Class D Felony
- Criminal Possession of a Firearm — Class E Felony
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child — 2 counts, Class A Misdemeanors
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the Second Degree — Misdemeanor
Bowers was also issued multiple traffic tickets related to the stop.Bowers was arraigned in the Town of Southeast Court and remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
