(WNY News Now) – Authorities in Niagara County arrested a Cambria man carrying a replica long gun after he allegedly planned to cause fear at a local school.
Cambria, N.Y. – On October 22, 2024, Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a suspicious man walking down Saunders Settlement Road in the Town of Cambria, reportedly carrying a BB gun and waving it around. The Niagara County Communications Center received the 911 call at approximately 1:48 PM.
Deputies quickly located 21-year-old Owen Weidenboerner, who was seen carrying what appeared to be a long gun on Saunders Settlement Road near Baer Road. After ordering Weidenboerner to drop the weapon, deputies detained him without incident. Upon closer inspection, the gun was determined to be a non-functional replica.
During questioning, Weidenboerner revealed his intention to approach the Niagara-Orleans B.O.C.E.S./Niagara Academy property with plans to frighten students by pointing the replica weapon at them. Following the interview, he was charged with Attempted Menacing in the Second Degree and issued an appearance ticket for a later court date in Cambria Town Court. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In addition to the charge, Weidenboerner was taken to a local facility for a mental health evaluation.
Leave a Reply