Violent Wednesday night underscores ongoing Albany problem

Albany Police continue to investigate a violent Wednesday night in the city.

Two men were shot at First and Quail earlier in the evening. They were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive.

Police say it’s believed at this point that they knew the shooter.

No one is in custody.

Meantime, a man was slashed in the arm with a large knife near Madison Avenue and West Lawrence Street – about five minutes away – said police.

Police say the early investigation shows that man was fighting with another man and was slashed with a large knife.

He walked into the police station nearby and is being treated for his injuries.

The incidents come the day after Albany Police and the city touted their ability to crack down on crime after arresting a suspect in a murder case.

Albany Police Spokesman Steve Smith said on Thursday it’s impossible for them to stop crime without victims and witnesses speaking up.

“We do understand that there’s a reluctance at times – especially right after an incident occurs – that there’s a reluctance to talk with the officers at the scene,” said Smith. “We put mechanisms in place for people to provide information, like Capital Region Crime Stoppers.”

NewsChannel 13 reached out to the mayor’s office for an interview.
They did not have information beyond what police provided, a spokesperson said.