Man Charged After Pulling Air Gun on Albany Police Officer

O'Hara Thomas Jr. faces multiple charges including aggravated assault against a police officer

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A 46-year-old Dougherty County man named O'Hara Thomas Jr. is facing multiple charges after an incident where he allegedly pulled out an air gun and threatened an Albany Police Department officer on Saturday, March 7. No one was injured, and the weapon was later determined to be an air gun rather than a real firearm.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and challenges police officers face when encountering individuals who may be carrying replica or air guns, which can be mistaken for real firearms. It also raises questions about how law enforcement should respond to such situations to protect public safety while avoiding unnecessary escalation of force.

The details

According to the Albany Police Department, officers were called to the 800 block of West Oglethorpe on March 7 after Thomas was spotted driving an electric scooter on the wrong side of the road. Thomas then reportedly ran to a local business and pulled out a weapon, which he dropped when an officer ordered him to the ground. The weapon was later determined to be an air gun, not a real firearm.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Albany Police Department officials announced the charges on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

O'Hara Thomas Jr.

A 46-year-old Dougherty County man who was charged with aggravated assault against a police officer, terroristic threats, and other traffic charges after the incident.

Michael Persley

The Albany Police Department Chief, who commented on the incident and the risks of individuals carrying replica or air guns.

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What they’re saying

“Fortunately, nobody was injured in that one. From talking with the initial information from the suspect was that he carries it for protection because he's tired of people harassing him. But it's an air gun. And that's a bad situation. And for the general public, the way the law reads, it doesn't have to be a real gun. It can be a replica.”

— Michael Persley, Albany Police Department Chief (walb.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for O'Hara Thomas Jr. at a hearing later this week.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued training and protocols for law enforcement when encountering individuals with replica or air guns, in order to de-escalate situations and protect public safety while respecting civil liberties.