DA: Schenectady man threatened people with assault rifle in Albany

A 30-year-old Schenectady man is accused of threatening people with an assault rifle in Albany. The incident happened on June 1, 2024.

Mohammed Zaher was arraigned in Albany County Court Tuesday on charges of criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence, according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. 

Prosecutors said Zaher was with a group of people standing in front of CVS on New Scotland Avenue around 6:30 p.m., when an argument turned violent.

Witnesses told police and video evidence showed that Zaher pulled the rifle from his vehicle and dropped an illegal magazine on the ground loaded with 24 rounds, according to the DA’s Office. 

A man was shot in the chest by another person later that day. The victim survived. Police are still searching for that man.

Zaher was sent to Albany County Jail.  If convicted, he faces up to 11 years in prison.