Westerlo man arrested following standoff

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Westerlo man is accused of endangering several children under 15 and was arrested following a standoff with police at his home. Thomas Conover, 35, faces multiple charges.

On Saturday, around 9:28 p.m., troopers responded to a disturbance call involving a firearm in Westerlo. Following an investigation, troopers say Conover was asked to leave the victim's property and did so. He later returned with a shotgun.

State Police say Conover allegedly displayed and aimed a firearm at a large group of people, including several children all under 15. Conover then fled before law enforcement arrived.

Police say they showed up at his home where he barricaded himself and did not leave. After a short discussion, Conover voluntarily left the home and was taken into custody without further incident. Police say the firearm recovered was seized with additional illegally possessed guns.

Charges:

• Second-degree menacing
• Second-degree reckless endangerment
• Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Endangering the welfare of a child (nine counts)

Conover was taken to New Scotland State Police where he was processed. He was arranged at the Westerlo Town Court and released on his own recognizance.