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SARATOGA SPRINGS — An alleged disgruntled former employee of a gas station has been arrested in connection with a shooting.
Matthew Kyle Ward, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was arrested Thursday for investigation of criminal mischief and three counts of shooting at a car.
The investigation began Feb. 8 when an employee at a Saratoga Springs Top Stop gas station, 36 W. Crossroads Blvd., reported to police he found his car — which was parked in front of the gas station — was damaged and appeared to have two bullet holes in it.
"Based on the damage to the vehicle and evidence collected from nearby surveillance video, officers believe that a total of three shots were fired at the vehicle," according to a police booking affidavit.
Employees told officers they suspected Ward, a disgruntled former employee, may be responsible as he had previously been arrested on suspicion of stealing beer at the store and was suspected in a second beer theft, according to police.
Reviewing surveillance video from nearby businesses, police observed a man on a bicycle ride into the area about 1:30 a.m.
"While standing over his bike, the male is observed retrieving something from the front of his chest or waist while facing away from the camera and towards the direction where the vehicle is parked. He then appears to extend his arms holding what appears to be a gun. The male can then be seen firing approximately three rounds, possibly using a revolver-style handgun due to the fact that he can be seen manipulating the gun with his hands in between each round. After one of the rounds is fired, you can see the front driver-side window of the vehicle shattered," the affidavit states.
The shots were fired from 30 to 40 yards away, and behind the vehicle being shot at was the typically busy Redwood Road, police said.
Officers kept surveillance on Ward for several days and watched him ride the bicycle seen in surveillance video. On at least one occasion he also "appeared to be open carrying a revolver-style handgun on his right hip while riding the bike," according to the affidavit.
A search warrant was served at Ward's apartment on Thursday and he was taken into custody.
