Homeless Man With Loaded Ghost Gun Struggled With Officers: Police

HYDE PARK, NY — A call about a suspicious person may have helped head off a potentially dangerous situation, according to police.

A man was arrested for possession of a ghost gun on Sunday, at 3:31 pm, according to the Town of Hyde Park Police Department. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person near McDonald's Restaurant on Albany Post Road. The suspect was later identified as Theodore T. Lutz Jr., a 37-year-old homeless man, according to cops.

Police say a background check revealed that Lutz had an active arrest warrant issued by Dutchess County Family Court, and while interviewing him, officers saw what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband.

During an arrest attempt, Lutz resisted and engaged in a brief physical altercation with officers, police said. He was eventually taken into custody with no reported injuries.

Officers recovered a Black and Gold Polymer 9mm "ghost gun," loaded with a 15-round magazine and one round in the chamber, according to officials. Additionally, officers found another 15-round loaded magazine, two loaded 30-round magazines, two fixed-blade knives, a ski mask, and a bandana, authorities said.

Lutz was arraigned at the Town of Hyde Park Justice Court. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 13.

He is charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon, obstruction of governmental administration and resisting arrest.