ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — An Albany man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder among other counts in connection to a shots fired incident dating back to February 13. According to the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, Donta Blair, 24, tried to injure and/or cause the death of another person using a deadly weapon.
On Tuesday, February 13, around 5:50 p.m., officers responded to 900 Central Avenue for reports of shots fired. Officers spoke with a man who said while driving, he heard a loud noise similar to gunshots.
Police say the victim said that while driving away, he saw a man in his rearview mirror and pointing what appeared to be a firearm. Police say the victim drove to a safe area where he was able to see a bullet hole in the back passenger seat of his car.
Upon further investigation, police say they were able to find that Blair entered a residence on the 500 block of Clinton Avenue after the incident. Two people were taken into custody without further incident, one of them being Blair.
Along with second-degree attempted murder, Blair also pleaded not guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree attempted assault, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (three counts), third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Blair is held at the Albany County Jail and will appear in court on May 3, 2024.