Albany man charged in robberies, burglary

An Albany man has been arrested in connection with a series of robberies and burglary.

Gabriel Ballard, 44, is accused of breaking the glass front door to get into the Mexican Market on 654 Central Ave. at around 5:45 a.m. on Aug. 17. He took cash from the register and the tip jar, Albany Police said.

On Sept. 4, just after 6:30 p.m. Ballard is accused of punching a man in the face in the area of Quail Street and Sherman Street and taking his wallet.

In a third incident on Sept. 11, police said Ballard approached a person in the area of Third and Grant Avenue at around 9:15 a.m. Ballard punched the person in the face, displayed what appeared to be a handgun tucked in his waistband and demanded property, according to police. The victim did not comply and Ballard left without anything.

Ballard was found in the area of Central Avenue and Watervliet Avenue on Thursday, Sept. 12 and arrested. He also allegedly had crack cocaine.

Ballard is facing charges of robbery, attempted robbery, grand larceny, burglary and criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court and sent to Albany County Jail.