Westerlo man arrested following standoff

ALBANY, NY (NEWS10) — A Westerlo man is accused of endangering multiple children under the age of 15 and was arrested following a confrontation with police at his home. Thomas Conover, 35, faces several charges.

On Saturday, around 9:28 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance call involving a firearm in Westerlo. Following an investigation, police say Conover was asked to leave the victim's property and did so. He then returned with a shotgun.

State police said Conover allegedly brandished and pointed a gun at a large group of people, including several children under the age of 15. Conover then fled before law enforcement arrived.

The police say they showed up at his home where he barricaded himself and did not leave. After a brief discussion, Conover voluntarily left the home and was taken into custody without further incident. Police said the recovered firearm was seized along with other illegally possessed weapons.

Charges:

• Second degree threatening
• Second degree reckless endangerment
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
• Endangering the welfare of a child (nine counts)

Conover was taken to Nova Scotia State Police where he was processed. He was arrested at Westerlo Municipal Court and released on his own recognizance.