Man guilty of stealing from Latham Home Depot, trying to ram employees with minivan

A jury has convicted a man who police said stole merchandise from the Latham Home Depot and then threatened to hit employees with his vehicle.

Philp Sarner was found guilty of robbery and criminal mischief after a jury deliberated for one hour according to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office. 

The attack happened on Sept. 21, 2023. Sarner entered the store and was spotted on surveillance video acting suspicious. He took power tools from the shelves and loaded a bag with hand tools. Sarner then headed toward an emergency exit, according to prosecutors.

An employee, who was seven months pregnant, attempted to stop him. He dropped several items and ran to his minivan. He then drove toward the employees – forcing them to take cover behind a door. The vehicle jumped a curb, crashed into the building. Sarner exited the vehicle and ran away.

He was arrested later by Colonie Police.

Sarner faces up to 25 years to life in prison if deemed a persistent felon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12.