Albany man arrested for falling asleep at the wheel while impaired, illegal gun possession

An Albany man was arrested after he was found asleep at the wheel on North Manning Boulevard Saturday morning with a loaded handgun, Albany police said.

Officers responded to the area of North Manning Boulevard on Saturday, May 6 at around 4:45 a.m. for reports of an unresponsive driver at the wheel.

When police arrived, they found 33-year-old Tariq Royal asleep at the wheel.

When Royal awoke, he attempted to flee on foot but was caught and taken into custody, police said.

A loaded .22 caliber handgun was recovered from Royal’s car.

He was also using the car under the influence of drugs, police said.

Royal is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest, Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, and Aggravated Unlicensed Operator.

He was also cited for several violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws.

Royal was arraigned Saturday morning in Albany City Criminal Court and sent to Albany County Jail.