Police say the weapon hit the floor during a struggle with an employee
NORTH TONAWANDA, NY — A fight over allegedly stolen merchandise inside a North Tonawanda 7-Eleven took a dangerous turn Sunday when a loaded handgun fell from a suspect during a struggle with an employee — and police later discovered the weapon itself had been reported stolen.
North Tonawanda Police responded to the 7-Eleven at 492 Oliver Street at approximately 1:42 a.m. for a reported disturbance.
Investigators said Eugene Boehringer, 53, of North Tonawanda, had caused a disturbance inside the convenience store after allegedly concealing stolen merchandise.
Police said Boehringer then became involved in a physical fight with an employee.
During the altercation, a loaded handgun fell from Boehringer onto the floor, according to police.
Officers recovered the weapon and arrested Boehringer at the scene.
Investigators subsequently determined that the handgun had been reported stolen.
Boehringer was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a Class E felony; and petit larceny, a misdemeanor.
He was arraigned in North Tonawanda City Court, where bail was set at $5,000.
The charges are accusations, and Boehringer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Police say a loaded handgun fell from Eugene Boehringer during a physical fight with a 7-Eleven employee early Sunday.
- Investigators said the confrontation followed allegations that Boehringer concealed merchandise inside the Oliver Street store.
- Police determined the handgun had been reported stolen. Boehringer faces two felony charges and petit larceny, with bail set at $5,000.
