A routine traffic stop near mile marker 144 uncovers loaded handguns, high-capacity magazines, and brass knuckles.
A routine Friday evening patrol on the New York State Thruway took a major turn when a traffic stop escalated into serious thruway gun charges for two out-of-state travelers. According to official reports from the New York State Police, two men from Ohio now find themselves locked up in the Albany County Correctional Facility. State Troopers discovered multiple loaded handguns, illegal high-capacity magazines, and brass knuckles hidden among their motorcycles. The incident highlights the persistent issue of illegal firearms flowing across state lines into New York, putting our highway safety in sharp focus.
The Thruway Stop Near Albany
On June 19, 2026, just before 9:00 p.m., State Troopers assigned to Troop T (SP Albany) spotted three motorcycles traveling southbound near mile marker 144. The operators were initially flagged for standard vehicle and traffic law violations.
What began as a routine stop quickly evolved during the roadside investigation. While speaking with the riders, troopers noticed signs that led to a deeper search. The investigation eventually drew assistance from the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and a specialized K9 unit.
What Troopers Discovered at the Scene
During the roadside inspection, troopers discovered that two of the riders were carrying severe, illegal weapons. The state’s strict gun laws immediately came into play as troopers uncovered the following contraband:
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Two loaded handguns
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Multiple high-capacity ammunition feeding devices (magazines)
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One set of black brass knuckles
“All illegal items were seized at the scene to ensure public safety,” the New York State Police noted in their official media release.
While two of the operators were taken into custody, the third motorcyclist was issued traffic tickets and released at the scene.
The Defendants and Their Serious Charges
The two men arrested face significant legal trouble under New York State’s stringent penal laws, which treat out-of-state travelers and residents equally when it comes to unlicensed, loaded firearms.
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| Defendant Name | Residence | Primary Charges Face |
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| Daron A. Swisher | Fairlawn, Ohio | Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree |
| | | (2 Loaded Firearm counts); 3rd Degree |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| Andrew A. Zirneskie | Lakewood, Ohio | Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree |
| | | (High-Capacity Magazine); 4th Degree |
+---------------------+-------------------+--------------------------------------------+
Breaking Down the Legal Terms
To understand the severity of these thruway gun charges, it helps to look at how New York defines these crimes:
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Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree: This is a Class C felony in New York. It applies when an individual possesses any loaded firearm outside of their home or place of business without a valid state permit. It carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence if convicted.
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Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree: This charge often applies to the possession of “large capacity ammunition feeding devices.” Under New York state law, magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammunition are illegal.
K9 Unit Proves Crucial in the Investigation
The discovery of the hidden handguns underscores the vital role that specialized police units play in highway safety. State Police K9 “J” was brought to the scene to assist the troopers and investigators. K9 units are specially trained to detect the scent of gunpowder, oils, and firearms even when they are hidden deep inside vehicle compartments or luggage bags. It was K9 “J” who alerted handlers to the presence of Swisher’s two loaded handguns and the high-capacity feeding devices.
Arraignment and Bail Details
Following their arrest, both Swisher, 30, and Zirneskie, 31, were transported to the Troop T barracks in Albany for initial booking and processing. They were later moved to the Bethlehem Town Court for a formal arraignment.
The judge set substantial bail for both men, reflecting the serious nature of the felony weapons allegations:
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$30,000 cash bail
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$40,000 insurance bond
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$60,000 partially secured bond
Neither man posted bail immediately, and both were remanded directly to the Albany County Correctional Facility.
The Broader Debate on Interstate Gun Laws
This incident brings up a familiar debate regarding gun enforcement and interstate travel. Critics of strict state laws often argue that responsible gun owners from states with more permissive rules—like Ohio—can easily find themselves facing major felonies simply by crossing state lines without malicious intent. They advocate for national reciprocity laws to protect travelers.
However, safety advocates and New York officials point out that strict enforcement is vital. High-capacity magazines and unlicensed, loaded handguns pose a clear risk to local communities and law enforcement officers during roadside stops. Keeping high-capacity hardware off our corridors remains a high priority for the state.
The swift action by Troop T and K9 “J” turned a minor traffic violation into a major seizure of illegal weapons. As both Ohio men await their next court appearances in Albany County, the case serves as a stark reminder that New York’s firearm laws remain among the toughest in the nation. Travelers must be fully aware of local laws before crossing state borders with firearms.
What are your thoughts on interstate gun law enforcement? Let us know your perspective in the comments below, or share this story with your network to keep the conversation going.
