A Saratoga County man was arrested in Richmondville last Tuesday on charges of stealing a truck and holding his girlfriend against her will after a four-day crime spree.
Nicholas P. Beer, 36, of Saratoga Springs allegedly stole a box truck containing furniture in Saratoga County, and forced his girlfriend to get into the truck at gun point, said the Loudonville State Police.
After traveling through Otsego County, Mr. Beer was arrested near the Reinhardt Mini Mart in Richmondville.
The State Police gave the following details of the incident:
Mr. Beer allegedly stole bolt cutters from Home Depot and then scaled the roof of Excelsior Auto Parts in Saratoga Springs and stole wiring and copper piping.
The next night, he allegedly stole a box truck from Route 9 Wilton Delivery. The truck, which contained furniture, was driven to a friend's home and the furniture was removed from the truck.
Mr. Beer then returned to his home and woke his two sons, ages 13 and nine, and together they loaded the truck with personal belongings.
He then woke his girlfriend and told her to get in the truck.
When she refused, he allegedly pointed a loaded .22 caliber Marlin rifle at her and forced her into the back of the truck. He then destroyed the satellite navigation system in the truck.
Leaving Saratoga County Monday morning, Mr. Beer traveled south to Otsego County before ending up in Schoharie County sometime on Tuesday.
On at least one occasion, he stopped at a convenience store so that his girlfriend could use the restroom. She stated that she feared for the safety of her sons and was afraid Mr. Beer would leave with the boys before she returned.
A State Trooper noticed the truck parked for an extended period of time next to the Reinhardt Mini Mart in Richmondville.
When his investigation revealed that the truck was stolen, the Trooper placed Mr. Beer under arrest. The Trooper then discovered the occupants in the back of the truck who were released unharmed.
Last Tuesday, Mr. Beer was arrested on charges of second-degree kidnapping, a felony; third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a felony; third-degree criminal mischief, a felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor; and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.
Mr. Beer was arraigned before Richmondville Justice Herbert Needleman and sent to jail in lieu of $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.
The State Police are continuing their investigation in conjunction with the Saratoga County Sheriff's office, the Saratoga Springs Police Department, Troopers in Wilton, Schoharie County District Attorney James Sacket, and Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy.
Police said additional charges are expected.