An alert investigator with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department is being credited for the swift arrest of a Pennsylvania man found carrying a firearm without a permit outside a gas station in the Town of Southeast. The incident underscores the vigilance of local law enforcement in ensuring public safety and enforcing New York’s strict gun laws.
Arrest Follows Suspicious Activity at Shell Service Center
The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon around 2:45 p.m., when an unidentified sheriff’s investigator noticed a man who appeared to be carrying a gun at his waist outside the Shell Service Center at the intersection of Route 6 and Starr Ridge Road.
The suspect, later identified as Kevin Piava, 55, of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, had just exited the convenience store section of the gas station and got into his vehicle. Recognizing the potential threat, the investigator initiated a traffic stop as Piava was leaving the scene.
Suspect Admits to Carrying Loaded Pistol Without Permit
During the stop, Piava reportedly admitted to carrying a Walther pistol. However, he failed to produce a valid New York State pistol permit, a requirement for carrying firearms in the state.
According to Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville, the investigator acted appropriately and within protocol, ensuring that the situation was handled without incident. Piava was subsequently taken into custody and charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon.
His vehicle, which was found to have an expired registration, was towed from the scene.
Felony Weapons Charge Carries Serious Penalties
In New York State, criminal possession of a weapon without a permit is a felony. If convicted, Piava could face up to seven years in state prison, depending on the circumstances of the offense and any prior criminal history.
New York maintains some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and non-residents are often caught unaware of the regulations requiring proper documentation and permits. While some states offer reciprocity agreements for firearm permits, New York does not honor out-of-state pistol licenses, including those issued in Pennsylvania.
Sheriff Praises Investigator’s Awareness and Action
Sheriff McConville commended the investigator for quick thinking and professionalism, emphasizing the importance of proactive law enforcement presence in preventing potentially dangerous situations.
“This incident could have gone in a very different direction,” said McConville. “Thanks to the awareness of our investigator, we were able to intervene early and remove a potentially unlawful firearm from our streets without putting the public at risk.”
Community Response and Legal Next Steps
The news of the arrest has sparked conversation within the local community, with residents expressing relief at how the situation was handled. Many have praised the sheriff’s department for keeping the town safe and for demonstrating how a calm and measured approach to law enforcement can lead to positive outcomes.
Following his arraignment, Piava was remanded to the Putnam County Jail pending further legal proceedings. It is currently unknown whether he has secured legal representation or posted bail.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about whether additional charges may be filed.
Summary
This incident serves as a strong reminder that firearm laws vary greatly from state to state, and failure to understand or comply with local regulations can lead to serious legal consequences. Thanks to the attentiveness of a Putnam County investigator, a potentially hazardous situation was de-escalated safely and lawfully.
As the case moves through the courts, it highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance in public spaces and the role of local law enforcement in maintaining peace and order in New York communities.
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