COLUMBIA DEPUTY SHERIFF’S RESPOND FOR REPORT OF BULLET STRIKING A RESIDENCE IN GHENT

Deputies and Investigators responded to the location and interviewed the owner of the residence, who was inside the home at the time that it was struck. During the initial investigation, it was determined that the bullet came from the property directly across the road.

Through further investigation and the interview of witnesses, it was found that William Baldwin had shot multiple times at a deer and he was shooting in the direction of the victim’s residence. The defendant had made attempts to conceal the act by instructing another person to dispose of the carcass at a different location.

Sheriff’s Office Investigators secured the firearm as evidence and NYS Environmental Conservation Police Officer Davey took possession of the deer carcass.

William A. Baldwin III., 37 years old of George Road in Ghent, was arrested and charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence (Class E Felony), Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (All Class A Misdemeanors).

He was arraigned in Claverack Town Court before the Honorable Judge Brandon and was remanded to the Columbia County Jail with no bail. The defendant is scheduled to appear in Ghent Town Court on January 14, 2019 at 6:00pm.

In addition, Officer Davey cited Mr. Baldwin with five violations of the Environmental Conservation Law.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and the NYS Environmental Conservation Police.

Investigating for the Sheriff’s Office were Senior Investigator Mark Dunspaugh, Investigator William Dunspaugh, Investigator Kris Bauhoff, and Deputy Jordan Brahm.