Sheriff: Man possessed grenade launcher, guns, explosives

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

Edward J. Reis (inset).

KNOX — Sheriff’s deputies removed guns, explosives, grenades and a grenade launcher from a residence Sunday, according to the Albany County Sheriff’s Office.

Edward J. Reis, 43, now faces felony firearms possession and forged instrument counts, as well as multiple misdemeanors, officials said.

Investigators arrested him later Sunday, after finding him at a motel in East Greenbush. Inside the hotel room, on the bed, investigators found a loaded AR-15 rifle, officials said.

Sheriff’s investigators began looking for Reis after they received a call about an emotionally disturbed person at 134 Lewis Road in Knox. The investigation revealed Reis had sent a text to a woman saying he wanted to go to Arizona and “euthanize” himself, officials said.

Investigators got a search warrant for his home and found the weapons, as well as a forged state pistol permit. Members of the state police Bomb Disposal Unit helped remove the explosives.

Investigators soon found Reis at the East Greenbush motel. A crisis negotiator made contact with him by cellphone, and, after a brief conversation, he surrendered to police.

He was taken to Albany County jail and was held pending arraignment in Knox.

Reis also faces five counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, unlawfully selling or possessing noxious material and possession of fireworks.