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Background: The neighborhood in Oswego, N.Y., where Philip Nichols allegedly pointed a gun at a lost teenager (Google Maps). Inset: Philip Nichols (Oswego County Sheriff”s Office).
A man in New York is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening a teenager with autism who was lost and seeking assistance.
Philip Nichols, 46, has been charged with menacing, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. This follows an incident that reportedly occurred at Nichols’ residence in Oswego, New York, on April 11. According to an extreme risk protection order reported by WSTM, a local NBC affiliate, a 14-year-old boy with autism became disoriented while biking after his phone’s battery died. He approached Nichols’ home and used the Ring doorbell to ask for directions.
In response, Nichols allegedly opened a window and aimed a handgun at the boy.
The protection order details that the teenager, frightened for his safety, quickly left the premises. However, Nichols allegedly pursued the boy in his Tesla SUV, armed with a shotgun equipped with a flashlight. It is claimed that Nichols confronted the boy, brandishing the shotgun and reportedly saying, “This is what an AR feels like.”
Following the incident, deputies from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office visited Nichols’ home for questioning. Nichols allegedly greeted the deputies while holding both a long gun and a handgun. He complied with their orders to disarm.
Nichols allegedly admitted to pointing a gun at the boy and to following him in his Tesla for “like 10 minutes, because the kids like to walk around.” He also allegedly admitted to pointing his shotgun at the boy during the time he was following him in his Tesla.
According to the protection order, Nichols told police that he feared for his life and his children’s lives. Police confiscated the long gun and one handgun from Nichols’ property. Nichols reportedly has a permit for four handguns, but only one was found.
Law&Crime reached out to the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office for booking information about Nichols and learned that he was not in custody as of Thursday. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 30.