Toy Gun at Tax Collector's Office Results in Arrest

Middletown Police were called to the Middletown City Hall Tax Collector’s Office to investigate a suspicious activity complaint.

At approximately 4:27 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, Robert Baranowsky, 60, came to the office to pay his taxes and “brandished a toy gun,” police wrote in the report.

There were no threats made. Officer Steven Dimassa spoke to an employee in the office. Baranowsky reportedly said he wanted to pay for his two Middletown properties and the two agreed on a balance.

“… When Baranowsky went to go for his wallet he stated that ‘you are going to think that I’m crazy, but I have a kids’ toy gun on me to keep the kids entertained,” Dimassa wrote. “She stated that Baranowsky then proceeded to pull a tan and black toy gun from his rear right pant pocket and place it on the counter in front of her.”

He then took the toy off the counter and put it in his pocket, paid the balance and left. The employee said there was no further mention of the toy gun.

[The employee] stated that Baranowsky never made any threats to anyone,” Dimassa said. “[The employee] stated that when Baranowsky initially showed her the toy gun, it instantly made her nervous and scared. She stated that when Baranowsky left, she immediately started to cry because she stated that she was ‘very scared’.”

A police officer spoke with Baranowsky at his residence and said he observed the toy gun and it was a black and brown plastic gun.

The man told police he went to the tax collector’s office to make a payment and when he reached into his pocket, he took out the toy gun he had found earlier while cleaning out his car.

“He stated that he then placed the toy gun into his rear left pocket while saying to the clerk, ‘I have my grandson’s toy’,” police said. They then continued the transaction and he left.”

Baranowsky was placed in custody for breach of peace in the second degree. He was issued a Oct. 9 court date and a $1,500 surety bond.