After Indiana Driver Hits Cyclist, Cops Find Loaded Gun: Police

NEW PALTZ, NY — A bicycle vs. automobile collision led to a weapon charge against the driver.

New Paltz police say that on October 8, at 12:34 p.m., officers were called to Main Street, near Joalyn Road, for a crash involving a car and a bicycle.

Police found a bicyclist with facial injuries from the crash. He was treated at the scene and taken to an area hospital by the New Paltz Rescue Squad.

After further investigation, officers found that the driver of the car had several vehicle and traffic violations, including commercial vehicle violations.

While speaking with the driver, police discovered he was in possession of a loaded handgun.

23-year-old Nolan K. Shafer, of Plainfield, Indiana, was taken into custody for second degree criminal possession of a weapon.

He was processed at New Paltz Police Department headquarters and taken to CAP Court. At the recommendation of the Ulster County D.A.'s Office, he was remanded to the Ulster County Jail on $50,000 cash bail.

The New Paltz Police Department was assisted by the New Paltz Rescue Squad, the Ulster County D.A.’s Office and the NYSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.