Domestic Dispute Leads To Ulster County Felon's Arrest On Weapons Charges: NYSP

The domestic dispute involving the 74-year-old suspect and a 29-year-old woman led to troopers to a stash of weapons, according to cops.

By Jeff Edwards, Patch Staff

May 12, 2026 12:53 pm EDT

State police say the investigation began after troopers from the Highland received a report of a domestic dispute. (Jeff Edwards/Patch)

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — A convicted felon has been arrested on weapons charges following a reported domestic disturbance.

The New York State Police say that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Highland arrested 74-year-old Fred D. Earl, of Wallkill (Ulster County), on Thursday, on gun charges.

He was charged with three felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (previous conviction); felony third-degree criminal possession of a weapon; felony third-degree criminal possession of an assault weapon; three felony counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon (ammunition feeding device); felony criminal possession of a firearm (possess a firearm); felony criminal possession of a firearm (unregistered assault weapon); three misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon (felon has rifle/shotgun/antique firearm); and misdemeanor first-degree failure to safely store firearms in home.

State police say the investigation began on Thursday, around 5:12 p.m., after troopers from the Highland received a report of a domestic dispute between Earl and a 29-year-old female victim, and issued a "be on the lookout" order for Earl's 2024 Ford F150.

Troopers soon found the F150 in the town of Shawangunk, and initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Bon Ventura Ave and Second Street.

During the investigation, the victim requested to go to Earl's home to pick up her belongings. During the retrieval, troopers report seeing an unsecured rifle in plain view.

State police say that Earl was confirmed to be a convicted felon and is not legally able to own firearms in New York.

After troopers obtained a search warrant, they found a Remington 597 .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle; a Mossberg 20-gauge Shotgun; a Henry Repeating Arms 45.70 CAL model Holox rifle; a River Johnson's Arms B Cycleworks 22 Supershot Seared 8; a Black slapjack; a DPMS Panther Arms .223-5.56 Model A-15 assault weapon; and three 30-round magazines.

Earl was arrested and taken to State Police Highland without incident for processing. He was arraigned at Ulster County Jail Central Arraignment Part and was released on his own recognizance. Earl is due back in the Shawangunk Town Court on May 18.