by Cohoes, New York — A 35-year-old Cohoes man has been convicted on two felony charges after terrorizing an upstate New York neighborhood while dressed in a clown mask and brandishing a chainsaw, in a frightening incident that unfolded on May 1. A jury in Albany County Court returned the verdict following a two-day trial and roughly two hours of deliberations, officials confirmed.
The defendant, whose name has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was found guilty of first-degree menacing and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies under New York law. He is now awaiting sentencing set for February 6, where he faces a possible prison term ranging from two to seven years.
Disturbing Midday Confrontation Caught on Camera
According to Albany County District Attorney Lee Kindlon, surveillance footage played during the trial captured the man strolling through a Cohoes neighborhood wearing a clown mask, a football jersey, and clutching a red chainsaw in the middle of the afternoon. The unsettling appearance was enough to alarm residents, one of whom decided to confront the suspicious figure.
Prosecutors said that when the local resident approached him, the masked man removed the plastic sheath from the chainsaw, raising the exposed blade in a threatening and aggressive manner. What began as a bizarre sighting quickly escalated into a dangerous encounter.
A physical struggle broke out between the resident and the masked man. Despite the chainsaw being weaponized as a threat, the resident managed to subdue the suspect until law enforcement arrived on scene. Officers later discovered the man was also carrying metal knuckles, further amplifying the level of danger posed.
Inside the Trial: What Prosecutors Presented to the Jury
The two-day trial featured four prosecution witnesses, including experts and responding law enforcement, who helped reconstruct the frightening event for jurors. Key evidence included the video footage, which prosecutors argued clearly depicted the defendant’s threatening behavior.
The defendant chose not to testify, and his defense team did not present any witnesses of their own. Following the trial, both the man and his public defender did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.
District Attorney Kindlon called the jury’s verdict an important acknowledgment of the fear experienced by residents during the incident. He highlighted the brazen nature of the suspect’s behavior — occurring in broad daylight in a family neighborhood — as a critical factor underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
Community on Edge After Terrifying Encounter
Residents of Cohoes described the event as one of the most shocking and disturbing incidents the neighborhood has faced in recent years. Many expressed gratitude for the quick actions of the resident who intervened and prevented the situation from escalating further.
The sight of a masked individual roaming the area with what appeared to be a functioning chainsaw created a wave of fear among families and children who were outdoors at the time. Officials said that had the resident not stepped in, the situation could have ended far worse.
Authorities have since emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious behavior immediately and avoiding confrontation when possible, urging the public to prioritize safety.
What Happens Next
The convicted man remains in custody as he awaits his February 6 sentencing. Under New York state law, his felony convictions could result in a substantial prison term. Prosecutors say they intend to argue for a sentence that reflects both the danger posed and the trauma inflicted on the local community.
The case has reignited conversations around community safety, mental health, and the unpredictable nature of public threats, especially those involving weapons and disguises.
What Do You Think?
How would you react if someone in a clown mask and chainsaw appeared in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts, reactions, and concerns in the comments below.
