Albany Man Sentenced After Passing Out at Wheel with Gun

Gamble pleaded guilty to weapons charge while on probation for prior offenses

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Eric Gamble, a 37-year-old Albany resident, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found slumped over the wheel of his running vehicle with a loaded 9mm gun in his hand. Gamble fled the scene, hitting multiple parked cars, before being apprehended by police.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and repeat offenders in Albany, where law enforcement and the criminal justice system continue to grapple with individuals who commit crimes while on probation or parole.

The details

On October 25, Albany police found Gamble passed out in his running vehicle parked in the middle of Grand Street. After being ordered out of the car, Gamble sped off, hitting multiple parked cars before being arrested near Avondale Terrace and Catherine Street. Gamble pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, and was sentenced due to being on probation for prior DWI, gun possession, and traffic violation charges at the time of his arrest.

  • On October 25, police found Gamble passed out in his vehicle.
  • Gamble was sentenced on February 5, 2026.

The players

Eric Gamble

A 37-year-old Albany resident who was sentenced to five years in prison for criminal possession of a weapon while on probation for prior offenses.

Lee Kindlon

The Albany County District Attorney who announced Gamble's sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and repeat offenders in Albany, where law enforcement and the criminal justice system continue to grapple with individuals who commit crimes while on probation or parole.”

— Lee Kindlon, Albany County District Attorney (wnyt.com)

What’s next

The judge's decision on Gamble's sentencing will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the criminal justice system handles repeat offenders in Albany.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for stronger measures to monitor and rehabilitate individuals on probation, in order to prevent them from committing further crimes and endangering public safety.