Albany police respond to armed robbery, home invasion reports

ALBANY — Reports of armed robbery and home invasion incidents were among those responded by the Albany Police Department on Sunday.

An armed robbery report shows officers responded to an incident at 808 N. Jefferson St., which was called in as a sudden snatching. Contact was made with a woman who said a man walked past her several times while she was outside, asking for $10 each time and also offering to wash her truck.

The last time he walked by, the man lifted his shirt to display what was later described as a big white plastic gun. After showing the gun, he began digging inside of her pockets looking for money, finding her keys, the report said.

The man went toward her 2002 Lincoln Navigator, attempting to get in the vehicle. The woman screamed for help, and people from a nearby establishment came outside to see what was wrong. The man pushed the victim to the ground, threw the keys to the ground and his gun fell on the ground.

The woman attempted to gain control of the gun, which the man interfered with before he ran off. The man was described by the victim as well as at least one witness as a black male about 5-foot-7 wearing a blue shirt, blue jean shorts, black hat and black jacket. Witnesses said he was about 20-30 years of age.

The suspect was seen running toward West Society Avenue and was not immediately located. The case was forwarded to APD detectives.

The home invasion report was filed after Albany police officers responded to 928 Cherry Ave.

The report said Officer Matthew Brown was flagged down by a woman at 924 Cherry Ave. Individuals nearby said they did not need police, but the resident of 924 Cherry reported she had been the victim of a home invasion after a man appearing to be drunk entered her home through an unlocked front door.

The victim said the man was waving a revolver around and walked about two feet into the living room. The man was unfamiliar to the victim, but someone told her he lived in Albany, the report said.

The report said the incident took place with the victim, her friend and two small children present. The man’s name was redacted from the narrative written by Brown, but he was described as a black male, about 5-foot-8 with a thin build wearing a blue shirt and a black backpack.

Earlier that evening, the same block was patrolled regarding reports that a firearm was being discharged by a man with a similar description who was said by witnesses to have entered into 924 Cherry. The area was checked for shell casings to no avail, the report said.

Those with information on crimes in the Albany area are encouraged to call Albany Area CrimeStoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477). Those who use the anonymous tip line can become eligible for cash rewards.