Police respond to report of shots fired at Colonie Center

PHOTOGRAPHER: Photo Provided

Trashalla A. Gillbey.

COLONIE — A Schenectady man was arrested Sunday night after town police responded to multiple reports of shots fired at Colonie Center.

According to a news release issued by the department later that evening, it received numerous 911 calls reporting that shots had been fired in the mall’s food court area at 5:11 p.m.

Within minutes of all available units responding to Colonie Center, officers located the suspect and determined that he did not have a gun and that no shots were actually fired, police said. Officers also found the suspect to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana, police said.

Trashalla A. Gillbey, 33, of 943 State St. in Schenectady, was charged with second-degree criminal nuisance, a misdemeanor, as well as disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of marijuana, both violations.

The release indicated that Gillbey had a dispute over a missing cellphone and started to yell. While he allegedly stated that he had a gun, police said that he struck a kiosk several times instead, which made noises that were misinterpreted to be gunshots.

Witnesses reported that they did believe there was an active shooter in the mall, police said.

Colonie Center followed its security protocols for a short time and resumed normal activity at 5:16 p.m.

Gillbey was expected to be sent to Albany County jail prior to his arraignment in Colonie Justice Court. A date for his next court appearance had not been set as of Sunday night.