Sheriff Kevin J. McConville reports the arrest of a 28-year-old Cold Spring man as a result of an investigation into possible gunshots near the Haldane School campus.
On May 15, 2023, at approximately 12:20 pm, the Deputy assigned to the school district as a School Resource Officer was outside of the district office and heard what he believed were possible gunshots in the vicinity of the school campus. At that time, he moved towards the sounds and heard additional popping sounds that were also heard by school district staff.
The school was put into lockdown, and all students outside of the building were ushered into the school. Additional Putnam County Sheriff's Office Deputies and Investigators began responding to the school to assist. In addition, members of the New York State Police, Cold Spring, Kent, and Metro North Police Departments responded.
An area resident advised Deputies that they observed smoke in the area of a residence on Mountain Ave. about the time they heard what was believed to be fireworks. Investigators and Deputies located what was believed to be freshly exploded fireworks in the yard of 34 Mountain Ave. However, when they attempted to interview the occupants of the residence, they were uncooperative.
After consultation with the District Attorney's Office, Investigators obtained a search warrant for the residence that was executed at approximately 7 pm. As a result of the search, Alexander Welsh was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Possession of Cannabis in the 2nd Degree, a Felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree, and Criminal Nuisance 2nd Degree, both Misdemeanors.
He was processed and issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Philipstown Court to appear at a later date to answer the charges.
