Man in Upstate New York Shot and Killed by Roommate with BB Gun

Police Respond to Call After Man is Shot with Pellet Gun

Police in Upstate New York say they are still investigating the tragic death over the weekend involving two roommates and a BB gun, but here's what we've learned so far.

Police in Saratoga Springs say they responded to a call on Sunday morning that a man had shot his roommate with a BB gun.  The caller stated that the victim was "bleeding and experiencing difficulty breathing," according to the Saratoga Springs Police.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department is actively investigating this tragic incident and has offered its "deepest sympathies to Michael’s family and friends."
Additional details will be released as they become available. -SSPD

Arrest Made After Man Dies

Saratoga Police say that upon arrival, they found the victim, 27-year-old Michael Collins of Warren Street, in Saratoga Springs, unconscious and unresponsive.

According to the report, he was taken to Albany Medical Center for urgent care, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

While it's unclear what led to the altercation between the roommates, 26-year-old Brendan Carl, also of Saratoga Springs, was taken into custody following the incident, according to the report.

Are BB Guns Deadly?

Yes, BB guns can be deadly and cause serious injuries, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reporting about four deaths per year. 

Police in Saratoga say that Carl was charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department urges anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward and call the police department at (518)584-1800.