Mahopac man arrested after pointing handgun at school bus driver
Mount Pleasant, NY – A morning drive along the Taconic State Parkway turned into a police investigation after a school bus carrying special needs children was caught in a road rage incident that authorities say involved a loaded handgun.
State Police said the incident happened Wednesday morning on the southbound Taconic State Parkway near Exit 3 in the Town of Mount Pleasant. A school bus driver reported that while transporting a bus monitor and three special needs children, he became involved in a road rage encounter with another motorist. During the confrontation, the driver reported the suspect pointed a handgun at him.
Troopers from State Police Hawthorne later received a walk-in complaint detailing the incident and launched an investigation. Later that evening, the suspect vehicle was located traveling northbound on the Taconic State Parkway. State Police, along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Troop K Community Stabilization Unit assigned to the District Attorney’s Safer Highway initiative, conducted a traffic stop.
Police identified the suspect as Michael L. Alarcon, 19, of Mahopac. A search of his vehicle resulted in the recovery of a loaded handgun. Alarcon was arrested and charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.
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Alarcon pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and did not enter a plea on the felony charges during arraignment in Mount Pleasant Justice Court. Judge Mark Rubeo set bail at $45,000 cash, $75,000 bond, or $175,000 partially secured bond. Alarcon is scheduled to return to court on February 19.
Authorities credited the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center for assisting in locating the suspect vehicle. Officials said the children on the bus were not physically injured during the incident.
Key Points
- A Mahopac man was arrested after allegedly pointing a handgun at a school bus driver
- The incident occurred on the Taconic State Parkway with special needs children aboard
- Police recovered a loaded handgun during a traffic stop
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