WAPPINGERS FALLS – A Wappingers Falls man has been arrested after he allegedly fired several rounds from an AR-15-style rifle in the village late Thursday night.
Around 10:40 p.m., village police were called to the area of 2689 West Main Street to a report of loud music playing. When officers arrived on the scene, they heard the music coming from an apartment in the multi-family building.
As officers attempted to make contact with residents in one apartment, a single gunshot was heard behind the rear of the building. They went to investigate.
As State and MTA Police and Dutchess Sheriff’s deputies arrived to assist, two more gunshots rang out.
Neighboring residents were evacuated and a police perimeter was established.
A man, later identified as Ruben Vaquer, 52, of 2689 West Main Street, came out holding the rifle in a low ready position as he walked toward officers. He disregarded several commands to drop the weapon, but eventually complied and was taken into custody. Officers also recovered a handgun from him.
Since Vaquer was found to have a criminal history, he was charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one felony count of reckless endangerment.
He was remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $2,500.
