Albany teen arrested for allegedly possessing loaded modified flare gun

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An Albany teenager was arrested on Friday after allegedly being found with a modified, loaded flare gun, according to the Albany County Sheriff's Office. The 18-year-old male reportedly faces two felony firearm possession charges.

At around 8:05 p.m., the Albany County Sheriff's Community Oriented Policing Effort Unit conducted a "proactive investigation" near Lexington Avenue and Sheridan Avenue. During the investigation, authorities said the 18-year-old suspect tried to flee on foot.

Sheriff's members quickly apprehended the teenager and found him to be in possession of a flare gun that had been illegally modified to fire live ammunition, according to the sheriff's office. The gun was allegedly loaded with a single .40 caliber round.

The 18-year-old was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, officials said. He was reportedly transported to the Albany Correctional Facility as a pre-arraignment detainee and is scheduled to be arraigned in Albany City Criminal Court on Saturday.

According to the sheriff's office, there has been a "concerning" increase of teenagers in possession of modified flare guns across New York State. Authorities said the weapons are able to shoot live rounds, posing a threat to public safety.

NEWS10's Ireland Walker is working to find out more about this trend. Stay with us for updates.