2-Year-Old, 3-Year-Old In Car As Route 22 Traffic Stop Leads To Felony Gun Arrest

SOUTHEAST, NY — An early morning traffic stop on Route 22 led to felony weapons charges against a Wassaic man, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Brian Hess announced the arrest of Edwin G. Bowers III, 27, following the upsetting incident in the Town of Southeast on Tuesday.

According to the sheriff's office, Deputy Victoria Crimmins was on patrol at about 2:42 a.m. when she observed a vehicle traveling 54 mph in a posted 35 mph zone on Route 22.

A records check revealed that Bowers' driving privileges in New York state were suspended six times on three separate dates, according to the sheriff's office. Deputies recovered a loaded Taurus G3 9mm handgun from a backpack inside the vehicle, the sheriff's office reported.

The handgun had a round in the chamber and a large-capacity ammunition feeding device containing 16 additional rounds, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office also reported that Bowers did not possess a pistol permit and that deputies recovered a quantity of marijuana from the vehicle.

Two children, ages 2 and 3, were also inside the vehicle. The children were turned over to a family member, and a referral was made to Child Protective Services, according to the sheriff's office.

Bowers was placed under arrest and taken to the Putnam County Correctional Facility for processing.

Bowers was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a class D felony; criminal possession of a firearm, a class E felony; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, class A misdemeanors; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree, a misdemeanor. He also was issued traffic tickets related to the stop.