A 14-year-old boy seeking directions after getting lost on his bike instead encountered a homeowner who allegedly pointed a gun at him and later followed him down the street, according to court documents filed in Oswego County.
OSWEGO, NY – Philip Nichols, 46, is facing multiple charges after authorities say he threatened a teenager with autism who approached his home for help when his phone died. The incident unfolded April 11, when the boy rang a doorbell at Nichols’ residence to ask for directions after becoming disoriented.
According to an extreme risk protection order, Nichols responded by opening a window and allegedly pointing a handgun at the boy. The teen, described in the filing as “scared for his life,” left the property and attempted to continue on his way.
Escalation outside the home
The situation escalated when Nichols allegedly exited his home, entered a Tesla SUV with a shotgun equipped with a flashlight, and followed the boy as he rode away on his bicycle. During the encounter, Nichols is accused of pointing the shotgun at the teenager and saying, “This is what an AR feels like.”
Deputies later responded to Nichols’ home to investigate. According to the report, Nichols met them at the door holding both a long gun and a handgun before complying with orders to drop the weapons.
Admissions and charges
Investigators said Nichols admitted to confronting and following the boy, telling deputies he pursued him for “like 10 minutes, because the kids like to walk around.” He also allegedly acknowledged pointing the shotgun at the teen during that time.
Nichols told authorities he feared for his safety and the safety of his children. Law enforcement confiscated one long gun and a handgun from the residence. Records indicate Nichols holds a permit for four handguns, though only one was recovered.
He has been charged with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. As of Thursday, Nichols was not in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 30.
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