The New York State Police announces the arrest of five individuals on weapons related charges. On October 26, 2024, at approximately 3:29 p.m., Troopers observed a 2017 GMC Yukon traveling west bound on 17K in the town of Bloomingburg, NY, in violation of numerous New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws.
Troopers with the assistance of Wallkill Police Department, initiated a traffic stop and identified the operator as Albert Blowers, age 48, of Rensselaer, NY. While interviewing Blowers, troopers developed probable cause to search the vehicle and asked all five occupants to exit the vehicle. The four passengers were identified as Brian Bunting, age 42, of Rensselaer, NY, Thomas Mclaughlin, age 49, of Albany, NY, Alex Sanford, age 26, of Rensselaer, NY and Anthony Walter, age 27, of Rensselaer, NY. Once removed from the vehicle Mclaughlin, Sanford and Walters were found to be in possession of illegal firearms one of them being a ghost gun. A search of the vehicle revealed two additional illegal firearms located within the vehicle.
The five suspects were arrested and subsequently charged as a result of the traffic stop.
Albert Blowers
Charges:
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th
• Multiple Uniform Traffic Tickets
Remanded to the Orange County Jail on $50,000 Cash, $100,000 Bond, $200,000 Partial Secured Bond and ordered to appear the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.
Brian Bunting
Charges:
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th
Remanded to the Orange County Jail on $10,000 Cash, $20,000 Bond, $40,000 Partial Secured Bond and ordered to appear before the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.
Anthony Walter
Charges:
• (2 counts) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th
Remanded to the Orange County Jail Jail on $10,000 Cash, $20,000 Bond, $40,000 Partial Secured Bond and ordered to reappear before the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.
Alex Sanford
Charges:
• (2 counts) Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th
Remanded to the Orange County Jail on $10,000 Cash, $20,000 Bond, $40,000 Partial Secured Bond and ordered to reappear before the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.
Thomas Mclaughlin
Charges:
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th
• Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th
Remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail and ordered to appear before the Town of Wallkill Court at a later date.
Contact Troop F Public Information Officer: Trooper Jennifer Alvarez
Troop F Commander:
Major Michael Sumnick