Traffic Stop Prompts Evacuation of Local Stewarts

The discovery of two hand grenades during a traffic stop prompted the evacuation of a Stewart’s in the Town of Stillwater. 

According to the Saratoga Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when deputies stopped a vehicle at the Stewart’s at the intersection of Route 9p and County Road 76 at around 12:11 p.m. on July 14. The vehicle was pulled over due to an improper turn signal and tinted tail lamps. 

During the traffic stop, a K-9 alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics, and a search of the vehicle was conducted. The hand grenades were discovered during the search prompting the evacuation of the Stewart’s out of an abundance of caution. The two grenades were turned over to the New York State Police Bomb Disposal Unit. 

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Evan Giroux, 40, of Schaghticoke, was arrested and charged with two counts of felony third degree criminal possession of a weapon and the aforementioned traffic offenses. 

The incident is still under investigation.