Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Saratoga County Incident

SARATOGA COUNTY — A man was shot and the suspect charged with attempted murder as well as numerous gun-related charges, following an incident that occurred in the town of Halfmoon in southern Saratoga County on Jan. 4. 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office says at approximately 11:04 a.m., deputies responded to reports that a man had been shot by a person known to him near 44 Route 146 in Halfmoon

Justin P. Wagner, 25, of Schenectady, was subsequently charged with attempted murder in the second-degree, criminal use of a firearm, two counts criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of an assault weapon. 

Wagner is accused of discharging an illegally possessed rifle with the intent to kill another person. He was also charged with recklessly endangering the life of another person who was present. Wagner allegedly fled the scene in a car and was apprehended by Sheriff’s deputies on Route 146 near Moe Road shortly thereafter without incident.

He was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. 

The victim, who was known to Wagner, was struck by gunfire and transported by ambulance to Albany Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.